Authorities in Ohio are actively investigating an incident where a police dog was unleashed on a semi-truck driver, identified as 23-year-old Jadarrius Rose. This unexpected act came despite the suspect’s apparent compliance with officers’ commands during an arrest after an alleged high-speed chase on the highway.
Incident Overview
On July 4, on U.S. Route 23 near Circleville, Ohio, an episode unfolded that has raised eyebrows and triggered an official inquiry. The controversial arrest and subsequent Ohio police dog attack were captured on body-camera footage released by the Ohio State Highway Police on July 21. The footage exhibits Rose complying with the troopers’ orders, getting on his knees and raising his hands, contrary to the ensuing police dog attack.
The Role of the K-9 Unit
The body-camera video prominently features a German Shepherd K-9 unit from the Circleville Police Department. Despite troopers warning Rose to comply or risk getting bitten, the dog was unleashed even as Rose complied, as seen in the video. In a bewildering turn of events, the police dog was released, clamping onto Rose’s arm, leading to distressing cries for help from the suspect.
Arrest and Post-Incident Care
Officers, including the dog’s handler, managed to pry the canine off Rose, as visible in the footage. The Ohio State Highway Police stated that the Circleville Police Department’s dog was deployed, resulting in Rose’s injuries. Post the Ohio police dog attack, Rose was given immediate first aid by troopers before paramedics arrived on the scene.
Investigation Status and Charges
Rose was later treated at a hospital before being taken into state Highway Police custody and charged with failure to comply, a fourth-degree felony. However, the reasons behind Rose’s initial non-compliance with troopers’ orders remain unclear. Circleville Police Officer R. Speakman, identified as the K-9 handler, is currently under scrutiny, though his employment status during the investigation has not been disclosed.
Response from the Circleville Police Department
Circleville Police Department’s Use of Force Review Board is currently investigating the incident. The local police union, meanwhile, has urged the public to withhold judgment pending the investigation.