A 51-year-old woman was killed and another person was injured following an attack by multiple dogs at Perris Hill Park in San Bernardino, California, on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at approximately 5 p.m.

San Bernardino police responded to reports of an individual being attacked by dogs at the park, located on the 1100 block of East Highland Avenue. Upon arrival, officers encountered several stray dogs and discovered two victims with bite wounds about 90 feet apart.

The deceased was identified as Teodora Mendoza, 51, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s coroner division. Mendoza sustained severe facial injuries and was taken to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries. The status of the second victim remains unknown, and their identity has not been disclosed.

As an officer was assisting a victim during the response, two dogs charged from nearby bushes toward the officer and the injured individual. In self-defense, the officer discharged his weapon, killing one dog, identified as a pit bull, on the scene.

San Bernardino Police Sergeant Chris Gray described the situation as “a bit of a chaotic scene at first because there were multiple dogs out there.” Authorities stated that the dogs appeared to be strays, though their exact origin remains under investigation.

San Bernardino Animal Control officers removed 14 dogs from the park as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials have yet to determine how many of these animals were involved in the attack or verify their ownership.

The attack occurred near a homeless encampment by East Twin Creek, according to police reports. Mendoza’s son, Alex Lozano, 21, reported that his mother had been homeless for over a year and frequently stayed at Perris Hill Park with a male companion. Lozano mentioned that he had not been in contact with her for some time before receiving news of her death.

Lozano informed media outlets that he was notified of the incident by his grandfather in Texas, who told him that his mother had been attacked by pit bulls. Lozano noted that Mendoza usually divided her time between San Bernardino and Banning, where he currently resides.

The incident contributes to a troubling trend in national statistics relating to dog-related fatalities. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that deaths from dog bites or strikes have risen significantly, from 35 in 2018 to 96 in 2023, the most recent year with available data.

Police stated it is unclear whether the two victims knew each other or what circumstances led to the attack. The San Bernardino Police Department, with assistance from animal control officials, is conducting the investigation.

Detective Araceli Mata of the San Bernardino Police Department confirmed that one victim had severe facial injuries and died at the hospital. One report suggested that the surviving victim had not been bitten, but the nature of their injuries remains uncertain.

The attack took place along a remote part of Perris Hill Road, across from Pacific High School’s football field. The area is known for having a homeless population, with several encampments where residents often keep dogs.

Authorities have yet to announce what will happen to the surviving dogs removed from the scene or whether any were legally registered. The investigation continues as officials seek to identify all animals involved and determine the circumstances that led to the fatal attack.

Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact San Bernardino Police Sergeant Jose Loera at 909-384-5736 or via email at Loera_Jo@sbcity.org.