Crime & Safety

Man Allegedly Tries To Strangle Police Dog In Lakeland Village; Pup Bites Back

The dog sustained a minor injury and is being treated by a veterinarian, a sheriff's sergeant said.

A man was arrested early Friday morning after he allegedly tried to strangle a police dog, authorities are reporting.

Ryan Dunbar, 26, of Hemet was taken into custody shortly after 2:46 a.m. on suspicion of battery on a police service dog, possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, and unlawfully driving a stolen vehicle, according to Sgt. Steve Brosche of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Earlier, deputies from the department allegedly spotted Dunbar driving a stolen vehicle in the Peppertree Mobile Home Park on Stoneman Street in Lakeland Village.

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Dunbar “sped into the mobile home park and rammed his vehicle through a chain linked fence,” the sergeant said. “He fled on foot into a wash area in an attempt to elude deputies. A perimeter was set and Dunbar was located hiding in heavy brush.”

Dunbar allegedly refused deputy commands to surrender, so a K-9 was used to assist.

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As the incident progressed, the suspect was bitten on the hand, Brosche said, explaining, “during the bite, Dunbar attempted to strangle the K-9 dog.”

The dog sustained a minor injury and is being treated by a veterinarian, the sergeant said.

Dunbar has been in trouble with law enforcement before. Most recently, Patch reported on his alleged involvement with band of air conditioner thieves.


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