A devastating incident has left a California community in shock after 17-year-old Tracy Azpeitia was viciously attacked by more than 10 large-breed dogs while jogging near her home in Newberry Springs. The harrowing attack, which occurred on July 17, has raised serious concerns about stray and unrestrained animals in the area.
Terrifying Morning Attack
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Tracy was jogging to a nearby workout facility along a remote stretch of Newberry Road when the violent encounter unfolded around 8 a.m. Hearing her screams, a nearby resident called 911, but by the time first responders arrived, Tracy had suffered hundreds of bites across her body. Her injuries included large lacerations, abrasions, and even removed flesh.
Tracy’s stepfather, Carlos Ramirez, shared the extent of her injuries in an emotional interview, noting she required more than 500 stitches to close the wounds. “It wasn’t one or two dogs—it was a lot. They bit every part of her body you could think of except for her ankles,” Ramirez said.
Community in Shock
The attack left Tracy so disfigured that her mother, Maria Azpeitia, initially didn’t recognize her daughter when she arrived at the scene. Fighting through her tears, Maria recalled, “She was so dirty and covered in dirt, I couldn’t recognize my daughter. I recognized her by her bra.” Even in her extreme pain, Tracy asked her mother a heartbreaking question: “Mom, am I still pretty?”
Local law enforcement seized 16 dogs from the area following the incident, revealing that the animals were neither fenced in nor leashed. The dogs are now being housed at the Barstow Humane Society.
Arrest Made in Connection to the Attack
Nearly a month after the attack, authorities arrested 61-year-old Craig Arthur Simmons, suspected of being the owner of the animals. Simmons was taken into custody after police surveillance spotted him riding his bike near his home. He was later booked into the High Desert Detention Center and is being held on $30,000 bail. Officials have charged Simmons with owning animals that caused serious injury or death.
Ongoing Recovery and Community Support
The aftermath of the attack has been devastating for Tracy, who had aspirations of starting her senior year of high school. Due to her injuries and trauma, she is now confined to her home and must attend frequent doctor’s appointments and rehabilitation sessions. A GoFundMe page launched by her family to support her medical expenses has raised over $33,000.
The page highlights the emotional toll of the incident, stating, “She cannot sleep at night; she’s having nightmares.” Tracy’s recovery is expected to be long and challenging, but her family remains hopeful.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked growing concerns among Newberry Springs residents about loose and unrestrained dogs in the area. “We’ve been in situations where dogs rush out from a fence or out of nowhere and circle us,” shared local resident Kristine Watson.
Calls for Greater Community Safety
This tragic event has underscored the urgent need for stricter enforcement of leash laws and animal control measures in rural and suburban California neighborhoods. While Tracy’s family mourns the life-altering injuries she has endured, they remain committed to raising awareness about the dangers posed by stray animals and advocating for change.
