Woman attacks officers in Toledo Walmart after questioning over animals left in hot car
By: -----
Toledo, OH - A woman was arrested on Tuesday after police say she attacked officers in a Toledo Walmart as they questioned her about malnourished animals they found in her hot vehicle.
On July 15, officers with the Sylvania Township Police Department were dispatched to the Walmart on Central Avenue for reports of a dog that was locked in a vehicle, looking distressed.
When officers arrived, they located the vehicle and the dog inside was barking and growling at people through the windows, which were slightly opened. Officers noticed the dog was panting profusely and there was no water inside the vehicle. There were also four kittens and two cats inside animal crates, and officers said two of them appeared to be deceased.
STPD says the Dog Warden and the owner of Fur Angels were called to take the animals into custody. As this was taking place, other officers went inside the Walmart to attempt to locate the owner of the vehicle.
Once inside, officers were able to locate the owner, Dawn Wiard, of Alpena, Michigan. STPD says she told the officers she just ran inside to grab a few things and that they were not allowed to take her animals. She also claimed the dog was a service dog, but allegedly ignored the officers when she was asked about documentation.
According to STPD, Wiard then allegedly put an officer in what appeared to be a headlock. An officer who was outside with Wiard’s vehicle came inside to assist, grabbed her by the forearm, placed her on the ground and put her in handcuffs. The officer said he had to push Wiard’s head and neck away as she was attempting to bite him.
STP says after following up, they learned the kittens were approximately 6 weeks old, severely underweight and had urine scalding on their paws. They were taken into custody by the Toledo Humane Society.
Wiard was booked into Lucas County Jail on seven counts of Cruelty to Animals, one count of Assault on a Peace Officer and one count of Resisting Arrest. She was in court Wednesday, where a judge set a $30,000 bond. She’s due back in court on July 23.