Photographer Attacked by Pit Bull in Ocean Beach

In October 2009, local photographer Jim Grant witnessed and photographed the shooting of a pit bull that was running loose at the Ocean Beach farmers’ market. San Diego police tried to corral the dog but were forced to kill it in the Hodad's parking lot after it attacked a police officer.

On Tuesday, June 12, Grant was bitten on the forearm by a pit bull near the boardwalk at the foot of Newport Avenue. The next day, Grant told Channel 10 News that he he fought off the dog by kneeing it in the chest. He said the dog's owner witnessed the attack but “took off the minute he saw I was making a phone call. He grabbed his dog, put the dog in his vehicle, and sped out of the parking lot.”

Grant left a comment on an online forum that included a description: white male 25–35 years old, thin build, long brown hair. Car was a Subaru wagon, rust colored. Dog: female pit bull, 60–80 pounds.

The photographer was treated by nearby San Diego lifeguards, who assured Grant that the bite was not severe enough to take precautions against rabies.