News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office

Deputies, rescue personnel respond as father wrestles 90-lb. pit bull away from 7-year-old daughter

Posted: Nov. 20, 2008, 12:08 p.m.

HAPPY VALLEY -- On Nov. 19, 2008 at 3:57 p.m., members of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Happy Valley Police, Boring Fire, American Medical Response and Happy Valley Dog Control responded to a report of a vicious dog attack at 12853 SE 172nd in Happy Valley.

Sheriff's report that a 90-lb. pit bull attacked 7-year-old Jayda Kempas, who had been playing on a tire swing in the rear yard of this address. Jayda Kempas' father -- identified as Steven M. Hehr, 31, of Gladstone -- was inside the residence at the time of the attack. He immediately responded to his daughter's screams and saw the dog attacking his daughter on the swing.

Hehr rushed to her aid. Observing the dog trying to pull his daughter off the swing by her leg, he pried open the jaws of the dog with his hands. This released the dog's bite on Jayda's leg -- and turned the attention of the dog onto Hehr. Hehr wrestled with the animal as his daughter was rushed to safety.

Three additional male adults were present on-scene, and assisted Hehr with the rescue and his efforts to subdue the persistent, attacking dog. These three men are identified as Ian Tovar, 27, of Clackamas; William Bahler, 47, Happy Valley; and Alan Clinansmith, 44, of Happy Valley.

The dog's owner is identified as Rick Harrison, 37, of Gresham.

Tovar grabbed Jayda and ran her into the house -- wrapping her injured leg in his shirt while calling 911.

Clinansmith and Bahler said the dog turned his attack efforts on Hehr. The dog bit Hehr in the thigh, and while trying to jump up, bit Hehr on his upper torso. The dog tore Hehr's trousers while biting his leg.

Hehr succeeded in taking the dog to the ground by applying a "headlock" on the animal and then lying on top of this 90-pound dog with all his weight in an effort to control it.

The dog continued to attempt to attack Hehr -- who was able to retain this critical head-hold on the fierce dog.

Out of desperation, Hehr yelled for someone to kill the dog. Bahler grabbed an aluminum baseball bat as a weapon. Bahler began beating the dog with all of his might about its legs and back -- to no avail. The dog continued to attack as Bahler became exhausted. Clinansmith then armed himself with the bat, and continued striking the dog as Clackamas County Sheriff's Deputy Greg Martin arrived on the scene.

The dog continued to resist and attack -- forcing Deputy Martin to shoot the animal to stop the attack.

Injuries in the Aftermath

Jayda suffered severe lacerations to her lower right calf and puncture wounds on her upper left thigh. American Medical Response provided prompt medical attention to both the father and daughter, and both were transported to Kaiser Sunnyside Hospital for medical treatment.

Today (Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008), Steven Hehr reports he is with his daughter at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland. Jayda is expected to have surgery today to mend damage to her leg received during the dog attack. According to her father, "Jayda is a real trouper, is expected to recover, and is presently in good spirits."

Steven Hehr has been treated for his injuries, and presently has one arm in a sling and is coping with a great deal of discomfort. Hehr dislocated his shoulder during his struggle with the dog, and received multiple bites to his hands, chest, legs and arms. He and his daughter were fortunate to survive this attack.

Deputy Martin assessed the event and reported: "Had it not been for the father being present and pulling the dog from the child, that girl most probably would not have survived the attack."

The deceased animal has been retained for forensic examination as authorities confirm that the animal has been properly vaccinated and that no threat of rabies is present.

Steven Hehr is a Staff Sergeant with the Oregon National Guard, and has served his country with one-tour of duty in Iraq, and an additional tour in Afghanistan.

Hehr and Clinansmith are available for interviews with interested media, and photographs obtained from the scene will be made available later today. Contact PIO Det. Jim Strovink for details.

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Jim Strovink, Detective
Public Information Officer
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office