Recently, Central Patrol Division officers responded to a robbery call at 2200 Fulton. The victim had given three men a ride to a local store. After arriving, he asked the suspects to leave his vehicle, but one grabbed him and forcibly threw him out of the vehicle to the ground. The suspects left with the victim’s vehicle.
The next day, Central Patrol Division officers saw the victim’s vehicle parked at a business at 2200 Airline. Officers confirmed the vehicle was listed as stolen and went inside the business to investigate. One witness, who reported seeing two males exit the vehicle and go into the business, pointed out one of the men inside.
Officers approached the suspect and began speaking with him. The suspect became visibly agitated, pacing back and forth. Officers attempted to place the suspect in handcuffs but, he began to back away and then fled on foot. The suspect ran out through the back of the business and ran southbound as officers gave verbal commands for the suspect to stop.
The HPD K9 Unit, including K9 “Moxie,” responded to the scene to provide assistance and perimeter was set up. As HPD K9 searched the area near 1800 Napa, Moxie showed signs that the suspect was near and led his handler to a small storage shed. As Moxie tried to enter the door of the shed, the suspect pushed it closed. The officer gave verbal commands for the suspect to exit the shed, which the suspect initially ignored.
Moxie made entry into the shed, and the suspect began fighting with Moxie. The suspect pushed his way out of the shed and attempted to flee on foot again, but Moxie held on to the suspect. He eventually complied with officers’ verbal commands and was taken into custody without further incident.
The suspect was charged with evading arrest on foot, which is a felony because of a prior conviction, and attack on an assistance animal, which is also a felony.
Great work by all involved to get this suspect into custody.
