California man dies after being mauled by his own dogs: police
SAN DIEGO (KSWB/KUSI) — A man is dead after being mauled by his three dogs at a neighborhood park Friday afternoon, according to the San Diego Police Department.
Police said the dogs, identified as XL bullies — a breed known for their size and strength — attacked their owner at a children's playground in Mesa Viking Neighborhood Park. Officers had to use a Taser to stop the attack, authorities said.
Witness Steve Marto, who lives across the street from the park, told Nexstar's KSWB/KUSI that he initially thought police were trying to detain a person.
“I just saw they had something trapped in the weeds over here. I thought it was a person at first because they were talking about setting up a perimeter,” Marto said. He later realized officers were attempting to round up the three large dogs.
“They were big, like XL bullies, just massive muscle,” Marto explained.
Police said witnesses called 911 around noon to report the attack. Responding officers arrived to find the man being bitten repeatedly by the dogs. A child with the victim was unharmed.
Good Samaritans tried to intervene by hitting the dogs with shovels and possibly a golf club, which was found at the scene, along with torn clothing and a shoe. An officer used a Taser to break up the attack, and the dogs ran off.
“The officer was able to break up the dogs. They fled, and the injured male was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries,” Sgt. Matthew Hone said. The sister of the victim confirmed to KSWB/KUSI that he later died at the hospital.
Two of the dogs were quickly captured, but a third remained on the loose, prompting a lockdown at nearby Ericson Elementary School. Parents of students at the school were notified by email.
Police later found the third dog at the owner’s home, which is near the park.
Marto expressed concern about owning such powerful animals.
“I don’t understand why someone would want to have three dogs that size. You’re just looking for a problem, in my opinion,” he said.
As of Friday, authorities had not yet determined what would happen to the dogs.