A California man has been arrested after a pack of dogs allegedly mauled a teenage runner, leaving her with serious injuries. Craig Arthur Simmons, 61, was taken into custody on August 13, nearly a month after the attack on 17-year-old Tracy Hurtado, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The teenager was jogging when she was attacked by at least 10 large-breed dogs that were neither fenced nor leashed. The dogs bit her several times on the legs and arms, causing large lacerations, abrasions, and removed flesh. A Good Samaritan intervened and rescued the victim, who was then taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center for treatment.
Simmons, who reportedly lived with more than a dozen dogs, was booked into the High Desert Detention Center on suspicion of being the owner of an animal that caused serious bodily injury or death. He remains in custody.
Hurtado’s mother, Maria Azpeitia, described the harrowing aftermath of the attack. “I got close to her and she's like, 'Mom, am I still pretty?'” she said. “I said, 'Of course. You're beautiful.'” The emotional toll has been significant, with the teenager experiencing nightmares and unable to sleep at night.
As a result of her injuries, Hurtado has had to remain home from school to attend medical appointments and rehabilitation. She was due to start her senior year of high school when the attack occurred. A GoFundMe campaign titled “Support Tracy’s Recovery Journey” has raised more than $28,000 to assist with her recovery.
