Authorities say Lake County Sheriff’s Canine Dax bit a Georgia man, who then punched the police canine after committing a home invasion and attacking a woman near Gurnee Sunday.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 8:30 p.m. Sunday to the 36200 block of North Old Creek Court in unincorporated Gurnee for a report of a home invasion.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said a 911 caller told dispatchers he was on FaceTime with the victim, a 36-year-old woman.
A man appeared in the video behind the woman, causing her to scream and the call disconnected.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived and located the victim, who had been attacked by the man, Covelli said.
A further investigation revealed the suspect was Joshua Simmons, 34, of Dublin, Georgia, who was a former acquaintance of the woman.
Simmons forced entry into the victim’s home, took her phone and struck her in the face and neck, Covelli said.
Simmons fled on foot when sheriff’s deputies arrived. The victim declined medical treatment.
A sheriff’s sergeant located Simmons’ vehicle parked about a block from the scene.
Lake County Sheriff’s Canine Dax responded and conducted a track for Simmons, Covelli said.
After a mile track, Dax located Simmons hiding in a three seasons room of a residence.
Simmons refused to surrender and Dax was deployed, Covelli said. Dax bit Simmons on his arm and the man allegedly struck Dax.
Simmons surrendered while Dax was unfazed by Simmons’ punch, Covelli said.
The man was transported to an area hospital for treatment of the dog bite. He was treated and released back into the custody of sheriff’s deputies.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and approved charges of home invasion, two counts of domestic battery, criminal trespass to residence, striking a police canine and resisting arrest.
“Fortunately, the victim was on a telephone call when this incident occurred, and her friend was able to call 911. If it were not for the quick thinking of the victim’s friend, this situation could have ended much differently,” Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said.
“I am proud of the work of our Patrol Division and Sheriff’s K9 Team who worked quickly to locate and apprehend this violent offender,” Idleburg said.
Simmons is expected to appear in bond court Monday.