Police put down two pit bulls after attacks

The second pitbull involved in attacks on people in Newport Beach during the weekend was euthanized Tuesday, police officials said.

The dog, a female pitbull, attacked a man near Newport Boulevard and 23rd Street Sunday that left bites in his arm and leg. The second dog, a male pitbull, was euthanized Sunday night.

The dogs’ owner, Ron Aubin of Newport Beach, consented to authorities over the phone that they be euthanized because he was out of town that Sunday, said Sgt. Evan Sailor.

Statements given to police that morning paint a picture of two pit bulls gone wild trying to attack anyone they saw, Sailor said. They attacked 45-year-old Michael Younger of Newport Beach and bit him in the left forearm and left thigh.

They chased a man on a bike and rushed at a married couple who found safety in the bed of a truck, Sailor said. The dogs found Younger again as a police officer was helping him into the squad car.

The officer shot five times, hitting one of the dogs in the face. They both ran away and Animal Control officers captured them a short time later.

The dogs were staying on the owner’s boat with a friend, Sailor said. A back door was left open and the dogs escaped, he said.

Authorities have not determined whether charges will be filed against the owner, Sailor said.

JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at joseph.serna@latimes.com.