Full Notification

DATE/TIME: January 16, 2019 10:11 p.m.

INCIDENT: Vicious Animal Attack

LOCATION: 59000 Block of Sunflower Drive, Joshua Tree

VICTIM: Lana Bergman, 70 years old, resident of Joshua Tree

SUMMARY:
On Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at approximately 10:11 p.m., deputies from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station resonded to a report of a vicious animal attack at the 59000 block of Sunflower Drive, in Joshua Tree. The victim and her husband live at the residence with an adult male friend. The victim allowed her friend to keep his four pitbull dogs at her home. The dogs were considered family pets, which the victim helped care for over the past year. On Wednesday, while the victim was home alone with the dogs, she was mauled by all four of the animals. She succumbed to her injuries a short time later.

Animal Control Officers responded and took custody of the dogs without incident. There is no indication the dogs were neglected, as they appeared well cared for. The reason for the attack is currently unknown.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Morongo Basin Station, at (760) 366-4175. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 800-78-CRIME or www.wetip.com.


Refer: San Bernardino County Sheriff's Public Affairs Division

Station: Morongo Basin Sheriff Station

Phone No. (760) 366-4175

Case No. 091900080

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department