Man Abused Dog Before Barricade Situation In Spotsylvania: Police

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — Spotsylvania deputies saw a man abuse a dog before a barricade situation on Wednesday, police said. Deputies were trying to help Arlington police officers serve outstanding warrants.

The dog suffered serious injuries, the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office said. It is receiving treatment at an emergency animal hospital.

Authorities identified the man as Nigere Willingham, a 38-year-old from Arlington. Spotsylvania authorities charged him with obstruction of justice. Animal cruelty charges are pending, police said.

Willingham was also served warrants from Alexandria for felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery. He was also served warrants from Arlington for felony strangulation, misdemeanor assault and battery and obstruction of a wireless device. He is being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Arlington police officers asked Spotsylvania deputies for their help finding a wanted man. Police officers eventually saw the wanted man, who they identified as Willingham, in the 11000 block of Newbury Court. The officers reported that they saw Willingham injuring a dog. When they tried to take him into custody, he ran into a home and barricaded himself inside, the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office said.

The sheriff's office's SWAT team responded to the scene, alongside the crisis negotiation team. "After five-hours of numerous unsuccessful attempts of negotiating, the SWAT team made entry into the home," the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office said in a report. "The suspect was located in the attic underneath insulation."

Willingham was then taken into custody without further incident.