GARY, Ind. — An Indiana man is facing several charges including resisting law enforcement and animal cruelty, after he allegedly attacked a K-9 during a traffic stop in Gary.
Indiana State Police Trooper Ben Beers stopped a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee in Gary on Monday, Nov. 25. Beers said the initial stop was for an improper headlight.
During the stop, Beers realized the driver had a suspended license. Beers also reported the smell of marijuana coming from the Jeep and a red solo cup, of what appeared to be alcohol, in the center console.
Beers had the driver get out of the vehicle to perform a field sobriety test. According to Indiana State Police, Beers then tried to pat down the driver. Police say the driver "refused to cooperate, and a struggle took place between the trooper and the driver."
Beers said the driver got away from him and started to run from the traffic stop. Beers said the driver tried to pull a handgun out of his waistband while running but dropped it. Beers said the driver kept running and so K-9 Zero joined the chase.
Eventually the driver was captured with the help of Zero, who is assigned to Beers. Zero bit the driver and Beers tasered the driver too.
Beers said the driver attempted to crush Zero by putting his entire body weight on top of the K-9.
The driver is facing preliminary charges of:
- Resisting law enforcement - defendant draws a weapon (2 counts)
- Resisting law enforcement
- Unlawful carrying of a handgun
- Cruelty to a law enforcement animal
- Driving while suspended with a prior conviction
- Possession of marijuana
Indiana State Police confirmed that K-9 Zero was not seriously hurt during the scuffle. The suspect suffered what police called "minor facial injuries."
