Newark – Delaware State Police are investigating a Tuesday, June 20, 2017, incident that landed a 15-year-old child in the hospital, suffering from K-9 bite wounds.
Police units responding to a armed robbery call at the BP Gas Station on Pulaski Highway, just before 8 p.m., involved a Delaware State Police K-9 unit. As the K-9 unit arrived on scene the robbery suspect began to flee the scene on a bicycle. It was at this time that a Trooper yelled at the suspect to stop or the dog would be released. The suspect continued to flee.
The K-9 officer was released and quickly caught up to the suspect and attempted to apprehend him. At was at this time the suspect allegedly kicked the K-9 officer in the head in an attempt to get away. The suspect continued to flee. The K-9 officer continued to chase the suspect catching him for a second time. Police said it was at this time that the suspect pulled a gun and the K-9 unit attempted to reengage but was kicked in the chest.
As the foot chase continued around a corner near Thronhill Drive the Trooper found a 15-year-old boy in the grip of his K-9 partner. The trooper commanded the dog to release the boy. Medical units were immediately requested by the Trooper. Teh boy was taken to Christiana Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Matt Fogg, the attorney for the 15-year-old’s family released a statement regarding the incident.
On June 20, 2017, my client, a 15-year-old young man, was playing outside with his siblings and cousins when he was attacked by a German Shepherd without provocation.
After the attack commenced, a Delaware State Police Trooper removed the dog and my client was transported by ambulance to Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. It has been confirmed that the dog was a Delaware State Police K-9.
We are currently investigating the circumstances leading up to the attack. It appears the K-9 may have been in pursuit of another individual at the time it attacked my client, an innocent bystander.
K-9’s are a valuable asset to the protection of Delaware’s Citizens. They are, however, akin to a weapon and should be kept under the proper control and supervision of a police officer at all times. Things like this simply should not happen.
The robbery suspect escaped and remains wanted. He is described as a black male 5’08” to 5’09” tall, with a thin build and wearing a black t-shirt, blue jean shorts, and armed with a handgun.