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15th February 2011, 06:34 PM
Suspect Charged with Trying to Strangle Boise Police Dog
Boise Police officers are calling a K-9 a hero after a repeat domestic violence suspect tried to strangle the dog during his arrest.
Police arrested Michael R. Gillespie, 34, of Tacoma, Washington for Mistreatment of a Police Dog (a felony), Attempted Strangulation (also a felony), Resisting and Obstructing Officers and Violation of a No Contact Order (both misdemeanors).
According to Boise Police spokeswoman Lynn Hightower, officers "responded to a domestic violence call shortly before noon (Monday) at a home near West Cole and North Ustick Roads. Officers were told by witnesses the suspect had attempted to strangle the victim. The suspect had left on foot just prior to officers arrival. Officers had information the suspect just arrived in Idaho and had recently been released from a Washington State prison on domestic violence charges. Officers also learned a court ordered No Contact Order was in place between the suspect and the victim."
Officers tried to contact the suspect via telephone and text. Hightower said the suspect returned "threatening texts to the officers and refused to cooperate."
Officers continued to track the suspect and by late afternoon, believed the suspect was hiding in an open field near Fairview Avenue and North Allumbaugh Street. Officers repeatedly yelled to the suspect, trying to locate him. "Officers warned the suspect if he did not peacefully surrender, a trained apprehension dog would be sent to flush him out, but still the suspect refused officer's commands," Hightower said.
Boise Police Service dog, Ruwa, was deployed and found the suspect hiding in bushes and, following his training, bit the suspect on the arm. "The suspect fought with Ruwa and the suspect then tried to choke the dog using his legs. Ruwa was able to hang on but he suffered a broken tooth, which was found and removed from the suspect's arm," Hightower said.
"This is what these amazing police service dogs are trained to do, find the suspect while protecting officers," said Boise Police Lt. Alan Cavener, patrol watch commander and a supervisor of the BPD K9 unit. "In this case, Ruwa held the suspect while officers could safely move in and make the arrest. This suspect had made threats and was considered dangerous. Thankfully everyone is safe today, thanks to Ruwa."
The suspect was taken for medical treatment, then booked into the Ada County Jail.
Following the incident, Ruwa was taken to a veterinarian and will have to see a K-9 dentist soon. "Ruwa's handler has been told the dog will likely have a replacement tooth or cap implanted, which are normally made out of steel. Ruwa has been at home resting since last night and appears to be doing fine," Hightower said.
http://www.kivitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14036956
:o
Boise Police officers are calling a K-9 a hero after a repeat domestic violence suspect tried to strangle the dog during his arrest.
Police arrested Michael R. Gillespie, 34, of Tacoma, Washington for Mistreatment of a Police Dog (a felony), Attempted Strangulation (also a felony), Resisting and Obstructing Officers and Violation of a No Contact Order (both misdemeanors).
According to Boise Police spokeswoman Lynn Hightower, officers "responded to a domestic violence call shortly before noon (Monday) at a home near West Cole and North Ustick Roads. Officers were told by witnesses the suspect had attempted to strangle the victim. The suspect had left on foot just prior to officers arrival. Officers had information the suspect just arrived in Idaho and had recently been released from a Washington State prison on domestic violence charges. Officers also learned a court ordered No Contact Order was in place between the suspect and the victim."
Officers tried to contact the suspect via telephone and text. Hightower said the suspect returned "threatening texts to the officers and refused to cooperate."
Officers continued to track the suspect and by late afternoon, believed the suspect was hiding in an open field near Fairview Avenue and North Allumbaugh Street. Officers repeatedly yelled to the suspect, trying to locate him. "Officers warned the suspect if he did not peacefully surrender, a trained apprehension dog would be sent to flush him out, but still the suspect refused officer's commands," Hightower said.
Boise Police Service dog, Ruwa, was deployed and found the suspect hiding in bushes and, following his training, bit the suspect on the arm. "The suspect fought with Ruwa and the suspect then tried to choke the dog using his legs. Ruwa was able to hang on but he suffered a broken tooth, which was found and removed from the suspect's arm," Hightower said.
"This is what these amazing police service dogs are trained to do, find the suspect while protecting officers," said Boise Police Lt. Alan Cavener, patrol watch commander and a supervisor of the BPD K9 unit. "In this case, Ruwa held the suspect while officers could safely move in and make the arrest. This suspect had made threats and was considered dangerous. Thankfully everyone is safe today, thanks to Ruwa."
The suspect was taken for medical treatment, then booked into the Ada County Jail.
Following the incident, Ruwa was taken to a veterinarian and will have to see a K-9 dentist soon. "Ruwa's handler has been told the dog will likely have a replacement tooth or cap implanted, which are normally made out of steel. Ruwa has been at home resting since last night and appears to be doing fine," Hightower said.
http://www.kivitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14036956
:o