Due to insufficient evidence, the District Attorney’s Office Tuesday dismissed a felony charge against a National City woman who was accused of owning a dangerous pit bull which bit a 4-year-old girl in the face two months ago. The motion to dismiss the charge against Brittany Gardiner, 22, was made by Deputy District Attorney Mary Loeb to Chula Vista Superior Court Judge Francis Devaney, who granted the motion.
Gardiner was walking her dog on Oct. 9 and Hailey Nunez asked if she could pet it. Gardiner said yes, and the dog unexpectedly lunged at her. She was bitten on the face and shoulder, and suffered cuts to her lip, cheek and chin. Hailey was hospitalized and underwent facial surgery.
Gardiner relinquished ownership of the dog and it was later euthanized.
The charge specified the animal caused great bodily injuries to the victim.
Gardiner spent two nights in jail before posting $25,000 bond. The attack occurred near the apartment complex where the girl lived on Laurel Street.
On the same day by coincidence, a National City police officer shot and killed two pit bulls which were reported as chasing children near an elementary school.
