Dogs likely attacked man who drowned in Fresno canal

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — Authorities say a man whose body was found in a Central California canal may have been attacked by dogs before he drowned.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office says coroner officials found dog bites on 74-year-old Robert Simonian's arms and legs.

Sheriff's spokesman Tony Botti says it's possible that a dog or a group of dogs attacked Simonian as he walked along a canal bank, causing him to fall into the water.

He says detectives are asking for anyone who has seen a dog or group of dogs while walking or driving in the area of Barstow Avenue between Biola and Dickenson Avenues to call them.

Botti says that in April a man was killed in an animal attack in the same area. Detectives found a group of aggressive dogs but couldn't link them to the death and they were returned to their owner.