Newberry Springs Man Arrested After Teen Girl Mauled by Pack of Dogs
NEWBERRY SPRINGS — A 17-year-old girl is recovering from multiple injuries after being viciously attacked by a large pack of dogs while jogging near her home last month. Authorities have arrested the dog owner, 61-year-old Craig Arthur Simmons, on felony charges related to the mauling.
Teen Attacked by Over 10 Dogs While Jogging
The incident occurred on July 17 in a quiet neighborhood in Newberry Springs, a rural area in San Bernardino County. The teenager was reportedly out for a run when she was surrounded and bitten repeatedly by an estimated 10 or more large-breed dogs allegedly owned by Simmons.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department, the girl suffered serious lacerations and abrasions requiring emergency care. She was transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center, where she received treatment for her injuries.
Craig Simmons Charged in Attack, Held Without Bail
Following a surveillance operation near his Newberry Road home, deputies from the Barstow Sheriff’s Station apprehended Simmons the next day. He is now facing a charge under California Penal Code 399(b), which applies to owners of animals who cause serious bodily harm or death due to negligence.
Simmons is currently being held at the High Desert Detention Center, with his next court appearance scheduled for August 15, officials confirmed.
16 Dogs Seized by Animal Control in Safety Operation
In response to the attack, San Bernardino County Animal Control officers seized 16 dogs from the area surrounding Simmons’ property. The dogs were taken for evaluation and to ensure no further risk to public safety.
The seizure came amid an ongoing criminal investigation into the circumstances of the attack. Investigators believe the dogs may have been roaming freely and without adequate containment, though those details remain under review.
Community Urged To Share Information
Authorities are urging any residents or witnesses who may have seen the dogs or witnessed similar aggressive behavior in the past to come forward.
The Barstow Sheriff’s Station encourages tip submissions by calling 760-995-8788 or anonymously through We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME, as noted in the full SBSD Nixle alert.
Have dangerous or roaming dogs ever posed a threat in your neighborhood? Share your story with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com as we continue to cover animal control and public safety concerns affecting families across the Midwest.
