Runner, 21, brutally mauled by four pit bulls as he jogged on trail
A San Diego County runner today described the terrifying moment he was savaged by a pack of pit bulls as he jogged on a trail.
Richard Garritson, 21, and his 20-year-old brother, John, were attacked by the dogs about a mile from their home.
The 21-year-old said he was running ahead of his sisters, Meagan Garritson, 18, and Shelby Garritson, 15, and his nine-year-old niece, when at least six dogs attacked. One bit his leg and a second grabbed his other leg, knocking him down.
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Attacked: Richard Garritson, 21, was attacked by a pack of pit bulls as he jogged on a trail late Sunday afternoon about a mile from his San Diego home
Horrific: John Garritson, 20, told their teenage sisters and nine-year-old neice to run as he went back to save his brother, and was attacked himself
He yelled for his sister to run as he tried to fight off the dogs which surrounded him. They snapped at his legs and arms. One bit him under his armpit.
Garritson told the San Diego Union-Tribune: 'I was dripping blood from all over - my shirt, socks, shoes.'
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'I was terrified,' he said. 'I thought I was going to die. They just kept biting at my legs and thighs.'
Garritson, who already had run three miles, was running out of energy and yelled for his brother, who grabbed a stick and tried to fend off the dogs.
Recovering: Richard Garritson is bandaged in his hospital room after he had chunks torn from his legs by pit bulls during the family run
Rural: Richard and his 20-year-old brother, John, were attacked as they jogged on a trail late Sunday afternoon about a mile from their home
Four dogs were destroyed after the attack. File photo
He also was attacked as the dogs kept rushing between the two brothers, Richard Garritson said.
He said the brothers knew where the dogs lived and they yelled for the owner, who managed to get all but three dogs into the house.
The owner finally put a leash on one of the larger dogs and the others broke off the attack, Richard Garritson said.
The brothers walked to a neighbour's house and a woman there called county sheriff's deputies.
'We could barely hold ourselves up,' he said.
Richard Garritson, who comes from a family of competitive runners, said his doctor told him that he probably will be able to run again even though he lost chunks from his lower legs.
Happier times: Richard smiles in this undated photo before the tragic incident
Clan: The dog attack victims come from a prominent family of runners
John Garritson suffered less serious bites to his legs. Their two sisters and young niece were not attacked.
Four dogs, all seven-month-old pit bull mixes, were destroyed at the owner's request, county animal control Lieutenant Dan DeSousa said.
As CBS8 reports, the other two dogs were not destroyed, with authorities citing an early investigation.
The department continues to investigate and will decide whether to pursue charges against the owner, who has not been named DeSousa said.
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