BRIEFLY : CRASH KILLS DRIVER TRYING TO AVOID VAN.

CAMARILLO - An Oxnard woman was killed about 8:45 p.m. Sunday when her car was forced off Highway 118 by another vehicle, and investigators are seeking the public's help in locating the maroon van.

Denise Hernandez, 30, was driving her 1990 white Ford Tempo westbound on Highway 118, west of Center School Road, when the eastbound van veered into her lane, apparently to pass another vehicle, the California Highway Patrol said Monday. Hernandez swerved to avoid a collision and her car hit a power pole.

Hernandez died at the scene. Her daughter, Sara Armstrong, 11, who was riding in the front seat, was treated at St. John's Regional Medical Center and released, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

The CHP asks that anyone with information about the incident or the maroon van call [phone].

- Daily News

Dog killed by police after attacking child

THOUSAND OAKS - A German shepherd dog was shot and killed Saturday by police after it attacked a 4-year-old boy, police said.

Around 3 p.m., a large German shepherd was spotted in the 300 block of Arcturus Street attacking a boy, dragging the child down the street by his thigh until the boy's older brother rescued him.

The dog then reportedly threatened other children until deputies and animal control officers arrived, according to Thousand Oaks police Sgt. Pat Buckley.

When officers reached the scene they tried to subdue the animal and protect the children. Eventually the animal control officers asked police to shoot the dog if it could not be safely secured.

The dog was killed after one deputy, from about 10 feet away, fired her pistol twice at the dog.

The dog then was taken by Los Angeles County Animal Control to a veterinarian.

The 4-year-old boy was treated at Los Robles Regional Medical Center for dog bites.