A man who was attacked by dogs at a homeless camp in the Juniper Ridge area died of his injuries Wednesday morning, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies were called out to the area known as “Dirt World” at 1:15 a.m. Wednesday.
The sheriff’s office said deputies found the victim, Joseph Taylor Keeton, had lost a lot of blood after the attack. Deputies applied a tourniquet, began CPR and used a defibrillator. Keeton was taken to St. Charles in Bend by paramedics.
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Keeton later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
During the investigation, deputies determined that as many as three Pitbull/Bull Mastiff mix dogs may have been responsible. The sheriff’s office said the owner assisted in rounding up the dogs and is cooperating in the investigation.
Authorities believe both the dog owner and victim were living in Dirt World at the time of the attack.
Wednesday was the first day the sheriff’s office dedicated a full-time deputy to patrol the area of Juniper Ridge and China Hat. DCSO says Wednesday morning’s incident was not in direct relation to the newly stationed officer.
Detectives continue to investigate the incident.
