New Mexico State Police released body camera footage of the incident in which the dog, a kindergartener through ninth grader, was assaulted. bit a police officer He was trying to arrest a suspect on 10 warrants.
The incident occurred in Santa Fe in March 2024, when 35-year-old Rick Chavez led police on a chase while driving an SUV towing a trailer. Chavez had 10 active warrants out for his arrest, including aggravated assault on a police officer and robbery.
“Instead of attacking the suspect, the dog bit Obare's forearm.”
Chest camera and dashcam footage captured the chaotic scene after Mr Chavez tried to flee in his car to evade arrest, drive over spike strips and crash into a police car. He got out of that car with a gun and attempted to hit another car driven by co-conspirator George Theragood.
Officer Charles Obare, a K-9 handler, was one of the officers involved in the shootout with Chavez. Instead of attacking the suspect, the dog bit Obare's forearm. Other officers were also seen rushing to help the officer.
Mr. Chavez and Mr. Seragood were shot and killed along with Officer Ovalle. Mr. Theragood surrendered to police, and Mr. Chavez struggled with police until he was arrested. Mr Chavez died of his injuries two days later in hospital. Ceragood is Paid Committed conspiracy to harbor a felon and aggravated flight from a police officer.
The dog, named Ike, also bit another officer in the face during a training session, according to legal documents filed by the officer who sued the department and the city of Santa Fe. SFPD Officer Damien Vigil said he was pressured to play the role of a suspect in training and was not allowed to use a riot helmet.
Ike bit the officer's arm, pulled him down and bit him in the face, according to the complaint. Vigil said he underwent extensive surgery to repair his face from the attack.
Vigil's attorney issued a statement to KOB, criticizing the agency's continued use of the dog.
“Damien should never have been put in that horrific situation by the Department. It is appalling that the Department continues to use this dog despite a series of horrifying and vicious attacks on Department staff and civilians. ” he said in part.
A police department spokeswoman said the investigation is ongoing and Ike remains on active duty.
Video of the incident can be viewed at: news coverage KOB-TV on YouTube showed more footage of the car chase in a news report on KRQE-TV.
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