Man accused of stabbing police dog facing 7 charges: Richmond RCMP
A man accused of harming a police dog and officers during arrest in Richmond earlier this month is now facing several charges, Mounties say.
An hours-long police incident began when a man in distress called 911 in the early hours of May 7 from a rural farmland area near No. 4 Road and Westminster Highway.
'The suspect initially fled into a wooded area but was ultimately located, arrested and transported to a local area hospital where he was treated for minor injuries,' reads a Thursday news release from the Richmond RCMP.
Read more: Man in distress arrested after stabbing police dog, Richmond RCMP say
During the process, police allege the man, now identified as Andrew Jongbloets, stabbed a police dog and discharged an air gun.
Jongbloets has been charged with injuring to a law enforcement animal, two counts of assaulting a police officer with a weapon, two counts of discharging an air gun with intent to wound, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and use of an imitation firearm while committing an offence.
'This was a fluid and dynamic situation that unfortunately resulted in injuries to (police service dog) Rebel. We are pleased that Rebel will make a full recovery, but this demonstrates the inherent risks our officers face in the line of duty in pursuit of public safety,' said Supt. Julie Drotar, acting officer in charge of the Richmond RCMP, in the release.
Online court records show Jongbloets has a lengthy criminal history going back at least 18 years. He remains in custody and his next court appearance is scheduled for May 29.
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With files from The Canadian Press
