by San Bernardino, CA — A 51-year-old woman was mauled to death by stray dogs near Perris Hill Park in San Bernardino, while another woman sustained injuries in the same attack, according to police.
Deadly Dog Attack Near Homeless Encampment
The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on July 31, when San Bernardino police responded to reports of a dog attack in the area. Officers arriving at the scene discovered two victims lying about 30 yards apart.
As police attempted to assist the victims, one of the dogs charged an officer, prompting the officer to shoot and kill the animal on the spot.
One of the women had visible dog bites, while the other suffered severe facial injuries from an apparent mauling. She was transported to the hospital but later died from her wounds.
Victim Identified, Connection to Area Revealed
The deceased was identified by the coroner’s office as Teodora Mendoza, aged 51. Her son, Alex Lozano, 21, told the Los Angeles Times that his mother had been homeless for over a year and was known to stay in the Perris Hill Park area.
“I hadn’t spoken to her for some time,” Lozano told the Times, expressing shock over the fatal incident.
Authorities have not released the name of the second woman who survived. It remains unclear whether the two victims knew each other.
Investigation Ongoing, 14 Dogs Removed
San Bernardino Animal Control removed 14 dogs from the park area following the attack. Police are still working to determine:
- How many dogs were actually involved
- Whether any of them belonged to someone
- If the animals were part of a feral pack living near the homeless encampment
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