Pitbull Owner Won't Face Charges In Puyallup Mauling

PUYALLUP, WA - The owner of four pitbulls who brutally mauled a UPS driver last year will not face criminal charges, according to reports. The pitbulls were euthanized on Jan. 24 after their owner voluntarily surrendered them to Pierce County.

The owner will not face charges, according to KOMO News, because prosecutors could not find witnesses to other attacks involving the dogs.

In early September, UPS driver Kevin Backlund went to make a delivery at a home along 116th Street East between SR 162 and the Puyallup River. When he entered the home through a gate, the pitbulls attacked. Backlund climbed on top of a vehicle to escape the dogs, but they continued to bite him.

Orting Valley fire Battalion Chief Steve Goodwin was the first to arrive on the scene after Backlund called 911. Goodwin rammed his vehicle through the gate of the home, which had been closed, to rescue Backlund. The battalion chief pulled the Backlund through the window of his SUV and drove him to safety.

Backlund suffered grave injuries requiring over 100 stitches to fix. He is suing the owner of the pitbulls for damages.

Image courtesy Davis Law Group