Last Month's Fatal Dog Attack Near Lake Merritt Leads to Arrest of Oakland Man

Police arrested an Oakland man on Thursday in connection with a fatal dog attack by Lake Merritt in October. The suspect's arrest follows an increasing number of reports from local dog owners about similar encounters they'd recently had with two large dogs and their owner.

Authorities state the man was identified and arrested on Thursday in connection with the Lake Merritt attack, per the Chronicle. Police have not said what charges the suspect may face and have declined to offer any additional information about him.

The violent incident in question took place on Oct. 23.

According to Tomiquia Moss, who happens to be California's Housing and Homelessness Secretary, she was walking her 12-year-old dog, Pepper, near Lakeside Park when Pepper was suddenly attacked by two large dogs. After being taken to a veterinary hospital, the dog sadly died the next morning.

As SFist reported late last month, the fatal mauling of Pepper quickly inspired other dog owners to step forward with similar stories, all involving two aggressive large dogs and their male owner. These reports include alleged incidents of canine attacks taking place prior to Pepper's attack at four Oakland recreational sites: Lakeside Park, Eastshore Park, Snow Park and Joaquin Miller Park.

One flyer found circulating online described an earlier mauling at Lakeside Park, the results of which allegedly required its canine victim to endure a pair of four-hour surgeries. The flyer also mentions similar encounters at the Berkeley Marina and in southwest Berkeley.

In response, Oakland police and animal services launched a coordinated investigation that eventually led them to the suspect now in custody. As for the fate of the accused canine perpetrators, the Chronicle noted that the dogs' current whereabouts were "not immediately clear."

Oakland Animal Control continues to encourage anyone who may have witnessed or experienced a recent attack at an East Bay park involving two large dogs to call them with any relevant information at 510-535-4884.

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