Madera police shoot ‘vicious dog’ at scene of dead man with multiple bites
An man was found dead at a river bottom on Monday morning with multiple dog bites to his body, Madera police said.
The victim was described as an unidentified adult Hispanic male, according to a news release from the police department.
Officers discovered the body at the river bottom between Cleveland Avenue and Raymond Road.
Officers investigating at the scene were “confronted with a vicious dog,” according to the release.
“While trying to approach the deceased person, the dog charged officers, who had to shoot the dog killing it,” the release said.
The unidentified victim had bite marks to multiple parts of his body, including legs, arms and face, according to the release. An autopsy will be conducted this week to determine the cause of death.
Sgt. Mark Trukki said the dog was a pitbull male. Based on the investigation and interviews with witnesses, it appears the victim was not the owner of the dog, he said.
If officers can prove the owner or owners of the dog knew the animal was vicious, and knowingly let the dog out in public, they could face manslaughter charges, he said.
Officers have an identification for the possible dog owner, but won’t release a name without having more concrete information, Trukki said. The same goes for the victim.
It’s unknown if the dog had rabies. Officers would have to get testing done.
The case remains an active investigation, Trukki said.
This story was originally published November 11, 2019 at 3:12 PM.
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