Code Enforcement Officer Attacked By 2 Dogs In San Bernardino, Police Say
SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.com) — A code enforcement officer is recovering from multiple dog bites after police say she was unexpectedly attacked in San Bernardino.
Police say the incident began as a routine call for a report of illegal camping at 13th and Mt. Vernon on Thursday afternoon.
But, police say, when the officer responded to a motor home, she had no idea there were two dogs tied to each other.
"They came out in kind of a 'V' fashion, got her feet wrapped up, she fell down," Lt. Rich Lawhead of San Bernardino Police said. "She actually made it to the curb out of the reach of the dogs and was able to get on her cell phone and call for assistance."
Sources told CBS2/KCAL9's Erica Nochlin that the officer they identified as Rebecca Daugherty sustained bites to both legs and an arm and was recovering. Sources said she was in a lot of pain.
Daugherty had arrived at the scene alone and was without a weapon.
"It's extremely scary, especially for a code enforcement officer. You know, a police officer, we go to a scene, we have pepper spray, a baton, a gun, and a lot of other things. Code enforcement officers usually go with a radio," Lt. Lawhead said.
Police say the owner of the motor home arrived at the location after the attack.
Authorities say they have arrested two people living at the home on suspicion of animal cruelty. Both are accused of leaving the four dogs with no food or water in over 100-degree heat.
"That may have led to the aggression. You know, not having water, not having the things that they need may have made them a little cranky too," the lieutenant said.
The dogs have been taken to an animal shelter. The officer is expected to be OK.