Pitbulls Attack Jogger and Dog in Miami: Owner Arrested

Miami Police announced the arrest of 44-year-old Jonte Adrian Jack on Saturday. He faces charges for allegedly instructing his two pitbulls to attack a jogger and his pet in the Wynwood neighborhood. This violent episode, partially captured on video, resulted in the victim being hospitalized with facial fractures.

According to a police report shared by Telemundo 51, the incident occurred on July 15 when 30-year-old Evan Motlong was jogging with his dog Indie near Northwest 2nd Avenue and 22nd Street.

Initial Encounter and Escalation

Out of nowhere, two unleashed pitbulls charged at Motlong and his dog. Attempting to shield Indie, Motlong stepped between the animals, declaring, "I pulled one dog off, got between them, and pushed the other away; they bit my arm severely."

The situation intensified after Motlong informed the owner he would contact the police. Investigators report that Jack shouted, "Get him!" prompting the dogs to chase and bite the victim again.

Assault and Arrest

The confrontation worsened when the suspect allegedly shoved or struck Motlong, causing him to fall backward, hit his head on the pavement, and lose consciousness.

Anonymous witnesses told detectives they observed Jack striking the unconscious victim on the ground and damaging Motlong's cell phone before leaving with the dogs.

Motlong regained consciousness in the back of an ambulance and was taken to a hospital for treatment of facial fractures, a black eye, severe arm bite wounds, cuts, and bruises. His dog Indie sustained a broken leg and is recovering.

Legal Action and Community Response

Several witnesses affirmed the victim's account, and Motlong identified Jack in a photo lineup. When officers found Jack on Saturday, he was holding the pitbulls aggressively, as though preparing to release them on the officers, before being apprehended.

Police noted prior incidents involving the suspect and his dogs. Jack faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon—considering the dogs as the weapon—felony battery, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, and criminal mischief.

The suspect exercised his right to an attorney and declined to speak with detectives.

Motlong mentioned receiving social media comments indicating he wasn't Jack's first victim: "Comments I've read on my story say they've seen this guy do this to others."

"People shouldn't have to look over their shoulder wondering if a family member—essentially, a dog is a family member—is going to be attacked or potentially killed," concluded Motlong, hoping his story prevents future incidents.

Rising Concerns Over Dog Attacks

This incident arises amidst growing concern over dog attacks in South Florida. In January 2024, two dogs attacked a wheelchair-bound man in Florida City, inflicting injuries that required two surgeries. In March of the same year, a woman sustained severe injuries defending her small dog from a pitbull in West Palm Beach.

In response to this trend, Florida enacted the Pam Rock Act, effective July 1, 2025. The law imposes fines up to $1,000 for owners of dangerous dogs, mandates $100,000 liability insurance, and considers third-degree felony charges—with up to five years in prison—if a declared dangerous animal causes death or severe injury.