SAN ANTONIO — An Amazon delivery driver was attacked by a dog outside a home on the south side Monday morning.
The incident happened in the 200 block of McNarney Street around 11:15 a.m.
The driver was dropping off a package when, police say, a Staffordshire Terrier jumped over the fence and bit him in the face. He was taken to University Hospital with serious injuries.
Loved ones identified the victim as 22-year-old Jose Rodriguez III.
“It happened way too fast for him to see what was going on," said Jose's father, Joey Rodriguez. "He said it just came out of the corner of his eye.”
A neighbor told KENS 5 a piece of the victim's lip was on the ground.
Jose jumped onto a vehicle to get away from the animal, according to authorities. Police say the dog's owner heard the commotion and ran outside to restrain her Staffordshire Terrier. Injured, Jose was able to call 911, officials say.
"This could have been avoided," said Joey. "We don't know what my son is going to go through when he comes out of surgery. If we can all follow the rules and the laws, they are there for a reason; for everyone's safety. I am just hoping the best for my son right now."
Monday night, an Amazon spokesperson told KENS 5 the company provides delivery partners with dog avoidance training. Richard Rocha said drivers are not required to deliver a package if they feel unsafe.
“This is a horrible incident and we’re grateful the driver was able to call for help and quickly receive medical attention," Rocha said in a statement. "We’re in contact with the delivery partner to make sure the driver has all the support needed as he recovers.”
The dog's owner was cooperative with police and willingly surrendered the dog to Animal Care Services (ACS). The dog was euthanized by ACS.
"If the animal is owner surrendered it then is completely up to ACS if we're going to seek adoption or if we're not," Shannon Sims with ACS said.
Sims said anytime they're dealing with severe injuries caused by an animal ACS does not seek placement for that animal.
Police said there were no prior calls or incidents involving this dog. SAPD initially said the owner was not facing charges, however, Animal Care Services later said the owner is facing four criminal citation including not having a current rabies vaccination, the dog being off-property, not having the required microchip and for the bite itself.
A GoFundMe has been set up to cover the medical cost for the Amazon driver. Click here if you would like to donate.
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