Fugitive Chokes Police K-9 In Altercation Near Redwood City: Sheriff's Office

REDWOOD CITY, CA— A fugitive assaulted a sheriff's deputy and choked a K-9 as they tried to take him into custody this week, the San Mateo County sheriff's office said. The man was ultimately caught and now faces additional felony charges.

Thomas Williams, 39, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of assault on a peace officer and on two outstanding warrants, one of which was a felony weapons warrant, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

It happened around 11:40 p.m. after deputies spotted Williams, a wanted man, in his front yard in the 2800 block of Northside Avenue of unincorporated Redwood City, sheriff's officials said. But Williams also saw the deputies and allegedly bolted.

"Williams saw the deputies and quickly ran inside of the residence but was only able to partially close the front door," the sheriff's office said. "A deputy reached through the threshold of the open door and attempted to grab hold of Williams to pull him out."

Deputies said Williams resisted and attempted to strike the deputy, so they sent in K-9 "Crash."

"Williams began to resist and fight the K-9 and at one point began choking him," officials said. "Deputies immediately intervened and with the help of 'Crash' were able to secure Williams in handcuffs and place him under arrest."

Crash was seen by a veterinarian and will take a few days off before returning to work.

The man was treated for a minor injury and booked into jail, police said.

Images via San Mateo Sheriff's Office