Following a harrowing incident in Newberry Springs, in which a teenager was viciously attacked by a pack of dogs, the owner has been apprehended by authorities. The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department reported that Craig Arthur Simmons, a 61-year-old Newberry Springs resident, was taken into custody on the grounds of Penal Code 399(B) – Owner of Animal Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death, as per the SBSD Barstow Sheriff's Department.
Details of the July 17 attack recall a 17-year-old girl out for a jog before suffering multiple dog bites from an alleged 10 or so large breed canines, owned by Simmons. The bites, which inflicted significant lacerations and abrasions, necessitated urgent medical attention at Loma Linda University Medical Center, as reported by the SBSD Barstow Sheriff's Department. The day following the attack, Simmons was observed by Barstow deputies and subsequently detained after a surveillance operation near his Newberry Road residence.
To ensure public safety, San Bernardino Animal Control intervened, confiscating a total of 16 dogs from the nearby area. The confiscation came as part of the ongoing criminal investigation spearheaded by the Sheriff's Barstow Station into the mauling that occurred two hours before it was reported by the victim's parents.
The Barstow Station continues to gather information regarding the case and encourages anyone with further insights to come forward. Confidentiality is assured for those who prefer it, with contact options including calling 760-995-8788 directly or providing anonymous tips through We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME, as stated by the SBSD Barstow Sheriff's Department. Craig Simmons is currently held at the High Desert Detention Center, pending a court appearance set for August 15.
