Coalinga woman in her 90s loses fingers in vicious pit bull attack

A Coalinga woman in her 90s lost several fingers when a pit bull attacked her in her front yard Friday morning. The dog returned a few minutes later and was shot by an officer when it tried to attack again, police said.

Coalinga police Detective Justin Gaskins said the woman suffered other injuries to both arms. She was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, where she underwent surgery and was listed in stable condition.

The attack took place about 8 a.m. The dog left after the initial attack, Gaskins said, but returned while emergency medical personnel were treating the woman. The pit bull charged the first responders, and a Coalinga police officer fired one shot, hitting the dog.

Police found the injured pit bull on the front porch of a nearby home. It was captured by animal control officers and euthanized.

The Coalinga Police Department is looking for help in locating the dog’s owner, who could face criminal charges. Anyone with information is asked to call 559-935-1525.

This story was originally published August 12, 2016 at 1:01 PM with the headline "Coalinga woman in her 90s loses fingers in vicious pit bull attack."