Body cam video shows police K-9 bite his handler during suspect chase

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT/Gray News) — An Arkansas police officer was bitten by his K-9 while trying to help the dog climb over a fence during a suspect’s arrest.

It started Sunday morning when a Jonesboro police officer conducted a traffic stop, but the driver reportedly sped away.

“Officers noted observing the vehicle run stop signs and going around another vehicle at a high rate of speed with disregard to public safety in [the] residential area,” an affidavit stated.

Police then saw the vehicle parked in a gravel parking lot behind an apartment.

Eyewitnesses told police that the suspect was seen running from the area.

Body camera video shows that during the chase, Jonesboro K-9 Officer Rocky tried to scale a fence but needed help.

That is when Rocky’s handler, Jonesboro Police Officer Zach Hobbs, tried to lift Rocky over the fence.

Police believe the dog may have been scraped by the fence, resulting in the dog yelping in pain. Rocky then began biting Hobbs, according to police.

Hobbs suffered multiple bite wounds to both arms and his upper thigh before he went to a local hospital.

On Monday, Hobbs and Rocky reunited. Rocky was happy to see his handler, according to police.

Police arrested the suspect during the chase. He was identified as Jerry Cornealious Brown.

He is charged with fleeing, possession of a controlled substance, driving with a suspended license, failure to appear, an out-of-town warrant and reckless driving.

Brown’s bond was set at $50,000 cash surety.

His next court date is scheduled for July 30.