A Monday afternoon hit-and-run investigation ended in a tense standoff and the deployment of a Taser on an aggressive animal, according to the Richmond Police Department.
The incident began at approximately 3:17 p.m., when officers were dispatched to the 2000 block of Barrett Avenue following reports of a traffic collision involving injuries. Upon arrival, police found that the driver responsible for the crash had already fled the scene.
Officers quickly tracked the suspect to the 2500 block of Nevin Avenue, several blocks away. According to police, the individual, who appeared heavily intoxicated, was accompanied by a large, aggressive dog, according to police.
Police said the suspect wouldn’t tie up his dog or surrender. As officers tried to talk him down, the situation became more volatile. The suspect was so drunk that the dog kept pulling him over and even bit him multiple times, making officers worry the dog might attack them or bystanders, police said.
When the suspect again attempted to walk away away, officers used a Taser to temporarily incapacitate the dog while they took the suspect into custody.
“This option was selected as the one of the safest available methods to avoid injury to the dog or responding officers,” police said.
The dog was transferred to the custody of Contra Costa Animal Services, where it was examined and treated. It remains in their custody under observation and does not appear to have any lasting injuries.
The suspect was booked into custody on DUI and hit-and-run charges.
“The incident remains under review in accordance with department policy,” police said.
