Owner of dog in vicious Grover Beach mauling identified

The owner of the dogs involved in a fatal mauling of a Grover Beach resident on Dec. 13, has been identified as Grover Beach Police Department officer Alex Geiger.

Geiger is a 4-year law enforcement veteran and has been employed with the Grover Beach Police Department since September 2016. He’s currently on paid administrative leave while the investigation into the canine attack continues.

Geiger issued the following statement regarding the deadly attack:

“I can’t begin to imagine the pain and sadness that the families of Mr. David Fear and Ms. Betty Long are going through as a result of this tragic incident. I know my words cannot change what happened, but I wish to express my sympathies and prayers to the Fear Family during this difficult time. I am also praying for Ms. Betty Long and her family and I wish her a speedy recovery. “

-Alex Geiger

The Grover Beach Police Officers Association issued the following:

Over the last few days, the Grover Beach Police Officers Association has been trying to process this tragic and unusual incident that occurred in our community. We are deeply saddened for the families of Ms. Betty Long and the death of Mr. David Fear and our condolences go out to everyone involved.

With our deepest condolences and our everlasting support for our community,
the Grover Beach Police Officers Association

64-year-old David Fear, the man who intervened when a loose dog attacked an 85-year-old woman, died from his injuries three days after the vicious attack. Fear had been in critical condition at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center.

The aggressor dog, a 2 1/2-year-old Belgian Malinois, was euthanized. The second dog has been quarantined until the investigation is complete.