Man Chokes K-9 During Traffic Stop In Virginia: Police

BEALETON, VA — A Maryland man is facing several charges after authorities say he choked a law enforcement K-9 during a traffic stop in Fauquier County last weekend.

Kevin Spriggs, 39, of Landover, Maryland, was charged with possession of stolen goods, obstruction of justice, eluding, driving without a license (second offense), driving under the influence of drugs, and attempting to maim or kill a law enforcement animal following the July 16 stop, police said.

According to a Fauquier County Sheriff's Office news release, authorities were alerted to a possible intoxicated driver headed towards Bealeton from Stafford County. The caller provided a license plate number that matched the plate from an earlier carjacking in Stafford County, police said.

Deputies found the car near the intersection of Marsh and Schoolhouse roads in Bealeton. Once Spriggs stopped, he refused to get out of the vehicle, police said.

After asking Spriggs several times to get out of the car, police deployed K-9 Bane to apprehend him, police said. According to authorities, Spriggs continued to resist while choking K-9 Bane. Police were then able to take him into custody, authorities said.

K-9 Bane was not hurt in the attack, Fauquier County authorities said on Facebook.

Spriggs was taken to Fauquier Hospital for treatment, police said. He is currently being held at the Fauquier County Adult Detention Center.

Spriggs was also charged with grand larceny in Stafford County, police said.