A California man has been arrested nearly a month after a teenage girl was brutally mauled by a pack of dogs while jogging in his neighborhood.
Craig Arthur Simmons, 61, was taken into custody on Aug. 13 following surveillance on his home, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said. He’s accused of violating a law that holds dog owners criminally responsible when their animals cause serious injury or death.
The horrifying attack happened on July 17 in Newberry Springs, when 17-year-old Tracy was out for a morning jog. According to police, more than 10 large-breed dogs swarmed and savaged her, leaving her with deep lacerations, abrasions, and chunks of flesh ripped from her arms and legs.
A witness managed to pull Tracy away from the dogs, who were not fenced or leashed. Animal control later seized 16 canines from the area as investigators launched a criminal case.
Tracy’s parents described the aftermath as nothing short of devastating. Her mother told reporters she barely recognized her daughter, who was “covered in dirt” and badly disfigured by the attack. Her stepfather added, “It was not one dog or two dogs, it was a lot. They bit every part of her body you could think of except for her ankles.”
The teen was rushed to Loma Linda University Medical Center and spent weeks recovering before being released. Now, instead of enjoying her senior year of high school, Tracy faces countless doctor visits, rehabilitation, and trauma counseling. A GoFundMe page launched to help with her care reveals she struggles with nightmares and can’t sleep at night.
While Simmons sits behind bars, Tracy’s family and supporters are demanding justice — and warning that no one should have to endure such a nightmare while doing something as simple as going for a jog.
Every dog that was involved should be put down or they will do it again!