This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Strangers stepped in to save a Layton woman and her dog who were under attack.

About 5:45 a.m. Monday, Cherie Bloom was walking her Boxer along Reid Avenue toward Main Street when a pair of pit bull dogs approached them and attacked her dog, according to a police news release. Bloom tried to intervene, but she was knocked down and the pit bulls attacked her, as well.

While someone nearby called 911 upon hearing Bloom's cries for help, Joel Haro and his girlfriend Darlene Moroncini were driving by and stopped to help. Haro and Moroncini were able to separate the pit bull dogs from Bloom's dog until Layton Police Officer Travis Rapp arrived and grabbed the collar of one of the dogs, according to the release.

The second pit bull dog ran away, but was located by Davis County Animal Control shortly after they arrived at the scene Monday morning.

Bloom and her dog were injured and required medical attention. Bloom had some minor injuries, including bite marks on her legs and a cut on a finger, as well as some bumps and bruises, said Layton Police Lt. Shawn Horton. Her dog was still at the veterinarian's office Monday afternoon and was a little more seriously hurt, but both the dog and Bloom are expected to be fine, Horton said.

Davis County Animal Control is investigating the case to find the owner of the pit bulls and file appropriate charges, the release adds.

The Blooms and the Layton Police Department want to thank Haro and Moroncini for stopping to help.

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