DATE: July 17, 2025 / 9:52 a.m.
INCIDENT: PC 399(B) – Owner of Animal Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death
LOCATION: 30000 Block of Newberry Road, Newberry Springs, CA
VICTIM(S): 17-year-old Confidential Female Juvenile
SUSPECT(S): Craig Arthur Simmons, 61-year-old Resident of Newberry Springs, CA
UPDATE*******************
On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Barstow deputies conducted surveillance on the residence of the dog owner, Craig Arthur Simmons, and observed him riding his bike down the roadway near his home. Simmons was contacted and taken into custody for the dog mauling. He was interviewed at the Barstow Station and booked into High Desert Detention Center without incident for violation of Penal Code 399(B) - Owner of Animal Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death. He remains in custody with a court date of August 15, 2025.
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SUMMARY:
On July 17, 2025, at about 9:52 a.m., Barstow Station deputies were advised a dog mauling occurred at an address on the 30000 block of Newberry Road, in Newberry Springs. The incident occurred approximately two hours prior to the incident being reported and the juvenile victim had been transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center due to the extent of her injuries.
Deputies spoke with the victim’s parents and learned the victim had been out jogging when she was attacked by 10 or more large breed dogs. The dogs bit the victim several times on her legs and arms. The bites caused large lacerations, abrasions, and removed flesh. A Good Samaritan rescued the victim from the dog attack. Through investigation, deputies determined the dogs belonged to a resident of Newberry Springs and were not fenced or leashed at the time of the incident.
San Bernardino Animal Control was advised of the incident, responded to the scene and seized 16 dogs from the area. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Barstow Station is conducting a criminal investigation reference the dog mauling.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Barstow Station at 760-995-8788. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.
Refer: Public Affairs
Phone No. 909-387-3700
Case No. DR# 082501015
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
