Press Release

ELKHART — Four people in Elkhart were injured after a dog attack on Monday morning.

Shortly after 9 a.m. Monday, June 12, Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the report of two dogs attacking multiple people near Melrose Place and Green Valley Parkway in Elkhart.

Deputies on scene determined four people were injured, with two needing immediate medical attention for serious bodily injury. Preliminary investigation revealed a 79-year-old woman was walking her leashed dog on Green Valley Parkway when two male Staffordshire bull terriers ran into the street and attacked. Three citizens in the area rushed to the aid of the initial victim; however, they were injured as well.

The dogs were found in the immediate area by the initial responding deputy. Due to their active aggression, both were shot to protect the citizens and first responders on scene. One dog died at the scene and the second was taken to the Elkhart County Humane Society for treatment.

The 79-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man were taken by ambulance to Elkhart General Hospital for treatment of serious injuries to their backs and lower extremities.

Two 38-year-old women were assessed by medics for lower extremity injuries and declined further medical treatment at the scene.

The 79-year-old woman’s dog suffered no apparent injuries in the attack.

Further investigation determined Hector Valadez, 50, Elkhart, was the bull terriers’ owner. Valadez was taken into custody for two counts of harboring a non-immunized dog, a class B misdemeanor.