A California man was arrested about a month after a teenage girl was attacked by a pack of dogs while jogging in his neighborhood.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department took Craig Arthur Simmons, 61, into custody on August 13. This arrest followed surveillance conducted at his home related to the incident.
The girl, who is 17 years old, was mauled by more than ten dogs on July 17. Her parents reported that she was out for a jog when the large dogs attacked her.
The community has identified the girl, known as Tracy, through a GoFundMe campaign to support her recovery. She suffered serious injuries, including multiple bites on her arms and legs, and was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center for treatment.
Before Simmons’ arrest, officers observed him riding his bike near his home. Following an interview, he was arrested and taken to the High Desert Detention Center. He faces allegations related to California’s Code 399(B), concerning serious injuries caused by animals.
During the attack, a witness helped save Tracy from the dogs, which were not contained or leashed. Authorities later seized 16 dogs from the area.
Tracy’s mother expressed disbelief that such an incident could happen, noting that her daughter looked unrecognizable due to the dirt and injuries. Her stepfather described the terrifying scene, stating that she was bitten all over her body except for her ankles.
Though Tracy has since been released from the hospital, her recovery continues. The GoFundMe page highlights that she now faces multiple doctor visits and rehabilitation, dealing with trauma that affects her sleep and mental health.
