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Owners of Pitbulls That Left Fort Worth Man Severely Injured Have Been Arrested

What to Know

  • Milton Sturges was handing out fliers in Arlington for a company he works for Wednesday morning when he was attacked by two loose dogs.
  • He lost parts of his ears, his nose, and has bite marks all over his arms. He has to undergo facial reconstruction surgery.
  • Arlington Police responded and shot and killed both the dogs. The animals had no collars or chips and an owner hasn't been located.

The owners of two pitbulls that attacked a Fort Worth man while on the job in September have been arrested and charged with felonies.

Lerondrick D. Taylor, 37, was arrested while already being detained at Tarrant County Jail for unrelated charges. Michelle N. Taylor, 39, turned herself in to the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, Oct. 26. Both (relation unknown) were arrested under the Texas Health and Safety Code Section, "Attack By Dog." Multiple tipsters provided information that assisted in the identity of the owners.

On Wednesday morning, Sept. 26, Milton Sturges was handing out fliers along the 2300 block Cripple Creek Drive in Arlington for a company he works for when two pitbulls loose in the street attacked him, according to police and his family.

The 58-year-old lost parts of his ears, his nose and has bite marks on his arms.

NBC 5 is not showing the photos of his injuries because they are so severe.

Sturges' family said he's undergone facial reconstruction surgery at Parkland Hospital in Dallas and still has more to do.

"He has to go through a couple more reconstructive surgeries," said Omar Sturges, Milton's nephew. "But, he's in good spirits, he's talking. It could have been a lot worse if it wasn't for the officers."

Officer F. Smith from Arlington Police quickly responded after a neighbor called 911. When he arrived, he saw two dogs actively attacking a man who appeared to be severely injured. He then proceeded to shoot and kill both of the dogs. The animals had no chips or collars.

Sturgess was immediately transported to Medical Center of Arlington and then later airlifted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas. A thorough criminal investigation was launched following this incident.

“Dog owners have a responsibility to maintain proper control and security of their animals. We were able to bring appropriate justice to this family who was grateful for the assistance and compassion that our investigative team brought to this case,” said Police Chief Will Johnson.

A Go Fund Me has been started by Sturges' family to help with his medical costs from the surgeries. 

*An original version of this story indicated that two officers arrived on site where Sturges was being attacked and shot and killed the dogs.

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