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Suspect arrested after trying to fight police dog

Sep 11, 2020 | 11:16 AM

A police dog played a prominent role in the arrest of a wanted man in Vernon.

Police were called to a residence in the 4200 block of Alexis Park Drive Thursday (Sept. 10) around 12:30 p.m.

“A member of the public alerted the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP of an unwanted man inside a residence where he was on court-imposed conditions not to attend,” Const. Chris Terleski, media relations officer, said.

“Police made numerous attempts to have the man willingly exit the residence. After the man failed to comply with police direction, frontline officers enlisted the assistance of the police dog service to enter the building.”

Despite being told he was under arrest and warned of the dog’s presence, Terleski said the man ignored the attempts of officers to de-escalate the situation.

The man was found hiding in one of the bedrooms by the police dog, and once discovered, resisted arrest and tried to fight the police dog.

“Our police dogs often are put at great risk in order to protect the police officers and the public. We are thankful that, in this instance, our dog was not injured,” Terleski said.

After a brief struggle, police took the man into custody without further incident. The man was treated at hospital for minor injuries sustained during the arrest.

A 36-year-old man from Vernon, who had multiple arrest warrants, is in custody facing an additional charge of failing to comply with a release order.

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