Dogs Maul, Kill Man in Dulzura

A 69-year-old Dulzura man was found dead Tuesday morning, apparently mauled to death by dogs on a rural stretch of California 94 near his home, authorities said.

The body of Melvin (Roy) Johnson, a local handyman, was discovered by a friend in the 19000 block of the highway. The name of the friend was not released.

Deputies said a preliminary investigation indicates that Johnson was “probably attacked and killed by unrestrained dogs as he walked along” the highway near his home, in the 18000 block of California 94. The friend contacted a neighbor, an off-duty police officer who was also unidentified. The neighbor drove to the scene, where he discovered two dogs hovering over Johnson’s body, “growling and baring their teeth,” sheriff’s deputies said.

The man shot both dogs, wounding one and killing the other, deputies said. The neighbor then drove to a ranch to search for other dogs suspected of attacking Johnson. Four dogs are being held in the South Bay Animal Control facility, deputies said. The wounded dog is undergoing treatment.

An autopsy will be performed today, a spokesman for the San Diego County coroner said. Sheriff’s homicide detectives are investigating.