Officer Zach Hobbs suffered multiple bite wounds while trying to help K9 Rocky over a fence
By: -----
Jonesboro, AR - A Jonesboro police officer was bitten by his department’s K-9 while trying to help the dog over a fence during a suspect’s arrest Sunday.
Craighead County District Judge Tommy Fowler found probable cause to charge Jerry Cornealious Brown with fleeing, possession of a controlled substance, driving with a suspended license, failure to appear, an out-of-town warrant and reckless driving.
On Sunday, June 7, at 8:17 a.m., a Jonesboro police officer conducted a vehicle stop on South Culberhouse Street when the driver quickly left near the Burke Avenue and South Culberhouse Street area.
“Officers noted observing the vehicle run stops signs and going around another vehicle at a high rate of speed with disregard to public safety in [the] residential area,” the affidavit stated.
Police went to Nisbett Street after learning the vehicle was registered to someone on that street.
When they arrived, police saw the vehicle parked in a gravel parking lot behind an apartment.
Eyewitnesses told police that Brown was seen running from the area.
Police arrested Brown shortly after finding him.
The affidavit also Brown had .088 ounces of suspected marijuana in his pocket. “Officers also noted Brown making the statement he believed he had a warrant as a reason for fleeing,” the affidavit added.
During an area search where the arrest happened, Jonesboro K-9 Officer Rocky scaled a fence.
Jonesboro Police Officer Zach Hobbs tried lifting Rocky back over to his side of the fence.
The dog may have been scraped and yelped during that attempt and began biting Officer Hobbs, according to a police release.
Officer Hobbs suffered multiple bite wounds to both arms and his upper right thigh before going to a local hospital.
On Monday, June 8, Officer Hobbs and Rocky reunited.
Rocky was happy to see him, according to the release.
Fowler set Brown’s bond at $50,000 cash surety.
Brown’s next court date is scheduled for July 30.