Joshua Simmons, 34, of Dublin, Georgia, (right) was arrested after being tracked down by Lake County Sheriff Canine Dax following a home invasion near Gurnee Sunday. | Provided Photos

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.

Sheriffโ€™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 victimโ€™s home, took her phone and struck her in the face and neck, Covelli said.

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Simmons fled on foot when sheriff’s deputies arrived. The victim declined medical treatment.

A sheriffโ€™s sergeant located Simmonsโ€™ 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 Simmonsโ€™ 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 sheriffโ€™s deputies.

The Lake County Stateโ€™s Attorneyโ€™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.

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“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 victimโ€™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 Sheriffโ€™s K9 Team who worked quickly to locate and apprehend this violent offender,” Idleburg said.

Simmons is expected to appear in bond court Monday.