Police in the Southern Dog Operations Unit have arrested a 20-year-old male and charged him with a number of offences, including assaulting a police dog, Northern Territory Police say.
It is alleged that yesterday, police attempted to locate the male in a remote community near Alice Springs to arrest him for offences committed in November and December. These offences include the alleged assault of a female.
Upon attending the male’s location, he attempted to flee, ignoring the directive to stop issued by the police officers.
Police Dog Loki was deployed to apprehend the male who, upon apprehension, struck Loki several times to the face. Loki was able to regain control and successfully resolve the situation without further escalation. The male was taken into custody.
As a result of the assault, Loki sustained minor abrasions and swelling to his face, but was otherwise uninjured.
The male was charged with:
- Breach bail
- x2 Aggravated assault
- x2 Breach DVO
- x2 Resist arrest
- Escape lawful custody
- Intentionally injure police dog
Capability Development Division Superintendent Sachin Sharma said this incident highlights the tough and dangerous nature of police work.
"Some of the hardest working members of any police force are the canine members," he said.
"Having the capability to deploy police dogs greatly increases the Northern Territory Police Force’s capacity to protect and serve the Northern Territory community.
"Any assault on a police dog is an assault on an officer undertaking that role to protect and serve."
