Sheriff’s deputies looking for killer pit bulls find marijuana

Police found a marijuana growing operation during their search for a pack of pit bulls that mauled a woman to death in the Antelope Valley, authorities said.

A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of cultivating marijuana at a home near 115th Street East and Avenue S in the community of Littlerock after police conducted a search of the property related to the mauling of a 63-year-old woman Thursday morning.

Sheriff’s Capt. Mike Parker said detectives with a warrant working with animal control took eight dogs, including six pit bulls.

A passing motorist called police after seeing the woman being mauled by four dogs. Authorities said she was out for a morning walk when she was attacked.

The first deputy at the scene found the woman on the ground and saw a dog. The deputy chased the dog but it turned on him. Parker said the deputy fired a shot toward the dog and it ran. The deputy then followed the dog, according to Parker, but the dog again became aggressive and turned on him, so the deputy discharged another shot to protect himself, Parker said. The dog eventually fled into the desert off Avenue S.

L.A. County Sheriff’s Department deputies were going door to door warning people to stay away from the area Thursday afternoon, Parker said. They were also trying to determine who the dogs belonged to, he said.

The woman, whose name has not been released, died en route to a hospital.

Police had not determined Friday morning if the dogs taken Thursday were the same ones that attacked the woman.

Hours after the attack, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, who represents the area, offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the four dogs.

In announcing the reward, Antonovich warned residents to stay indoors and call 911 if they see the animals. Parents walking their children home from school were told to be particularly cautious.

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