Around 6:40 Wednesday morning, Fresno County Sheriff's Detective Jeff Stricker was driving through a Fresno neighborhood on his way work when he heard a woman scream for help.
As he approached the intersection of N. Redda Rd. and E. Redlands Ave., Stricker saw a stray dog (Pit Bull) attacking a woman and her dog. Stricker called in to dispatch and requested help. The detective then grabbed the Pit Bull by the back of its neck and was able to finally get it away from the woman and her smaller dog. She ran to a nearby home for safety as a neighbor came out with a rope, which the detective used to secure the dog until Fresno Police officers and animal control responded to take over.
The woman, Cara Emes, suffered some bites and scrapes to her hands and is going to be ok. Her dog, a Cocker Spaniel mix named Gus, was seriously injured and required surgery. The veterinarian believes Gus will make a full recovery. It’s unknown who the Pit Bull belongs to and locating the owner would be a big help for investigators. Animal control now has custody of the dog.
The Sheriff's Office would like to emphasize the importance of securing your animals to avoid dangerous situations like this one. Prevent your dog from being able to roam free by checking your fence for openings where they can escape and use a leash if you are walking your dog.
Attached are pictures of Detective Stricker and Cara. She is extremely grateful for the initiative he took to help save her. It's important to note that Detective Stricker served as a K-9 handler for seven years, so he has special training in how to approach animals who are in an attack mode.
Detective Jeff Stricker and Cara Emes
