Grover Beach man attacked by dog dies from injuries
UPDATE
David Fear, the man who intervened when a loose dog attacked an 85-year-old woman Tuesday in Grover Beach, has died from his injuries.
Fear, 64, was in critical condition at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center since the attack.
Hospital spokesman Ron Yukelson confirmed that Fear died late Friday night just before 11:00 p.m.
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ORIGINAL STORY
A brutal dog attack Tuesday afternoon sent two people to the hospital, both hurt so badly, they’re now in critical condition. Grover Beach Police have confirmed that the dog owner is one of their police officers.
“There was blood everywhere and pieces of ripped up clothing, it was a pretty horrific scene,” neighbor Craig Perry said.
Craig Perry has known the two victims for years.
“When I saw them both, both of them were laying in the street maybe 10 feet apart,” Perry said.
Witnesses say a loose dog began attacking 85-year-old Betty Long and her two small dogs on Nacimiento Avenue in Grover Beach. That’s when next-door neighbor David Fear jumped into action to save Long. Fear has severe hand injuries that may require amputation.
“Still trying to.. little bit of a shock, keeping them in our prayers, they’re still in pretty bad shape last time I heard from Dave’s wife,” Perry said.
David Fear’s family released a statement Thursday, reading in part: “At this time his injuries are quite extensive. We are gratified by the outpouring of love and support from our community. At this time, however, we ask that you respect our family’s privacy.”
The officer’s roommate tells us that the dog was put to sleep following the attack. She also said the dog owner is out of town.
“We’re just so thankful that Dave was home,” Betty Long’s son’s girlfriend, Missie Roth told us.
Missie Roth is Betty Long’s son’s girlfriend. Long suffered a broken shoulder, broken pelvis, head cuts and bite marks during the attack.
“Was such a brave man to jump into a dog fight, risking his life, which is still really in jeopardy, to save our mom, Betty Long,” Roth said.
The dog was a personal dog of that police officer. SLO County Animal Services is leading the investigation.
