Photo: Alex_Schmidt / iStock / Getty Images
A 17-year-old girl is recovering after being attacked by a pack of dogs in Newberry Springs. The incident occurred on the morning of July 17, when Tracy Azpeitia was jogging near her home and was attacked by 10 or more large-breed dogs. The attack left her with severe injuries, requiring over 500 stitches. A good Samaritan intervened to help her.
On Wednesday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department arrested 61-year-old Craig Arthur Simmons, the owner of the dogs. Simmons was charged with being the owner of an animal causing serious injury or death. He was taken into custody without incident and is currently held at the High Desert Detention Center. Simmons is scheduled to appear in court on Friday (August 15).
Following the attack, authorities seized 16 dogs from Simmons' property, noting that the dogs were neither fenced nor leashed. According to ABC7, Tracy's mother, Maria Azpeitia, recounted the harrowing moment she found her daughter unrecognizable after the attack. Tracy's stepfather, Carlos Ramirez, shared that the teen spent over three weeks in the hospital recovering from her injuries.
The case has drawn significant attention, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact the Barstow Station. Simmons faces potential felony or misdemeanor charges under California law for the incident. Fox LA reported that the Sheriff's Department conducted surveillance before arresting Simmons, who was riding his bike near his home at the time.