UPDATE: Rehoboth man charged for assaulting K-9 officer

30-year-old Rehoboth man, Kevin Hardy, is behind bars after Police say he assaulted a K-9 officer while being arrested. 47 ABC spoke with Milford Police and they admit this is a rare occurrence, but concerning none the less.

Milford Detective Dwight Young admits it’s a shock to see any of his officers hurt, and that goes for four-legged officers, as well.

Detective Young tells 47 ABC, “We’ve had it on a couple other occasions as well where one of our canines were assaulted by a suspect. On rare occasions we see it, mainly where the suspect is attempting to get away from the canine.”

Milford Police say on May 31, Officers tried to pull over Hardy on NW Front Street & Maple Avenue, but he refused to stop, and continued down NW Front Street. According to the report, the Hardy kept going on NW Front Street while speeding, until crashing into the pedestrian foot bridge on Truitt Avenue.

Police say two passengers then got out of the vehicle, and turned themselves into the Officers, while Hardy, fled. A K-9 Officer was then reportedly able to locate Hardy nearby, but he was still refusing to follow orders. He was eventually taken into custody by the K-9, but he apparently tried to break free by punching the K-9 several times. Police say the Officer then tasered Hardy, and finally apprehended him.

Since K-9 cops are essential to law enforcement, Milford police say they are keenly aware of their safety. The dogs and their handlers go through training on a monthly basis. Detective Young tells 47 ABC, “Their training is actually what keeps them safe a majority of the time.”

When it comes to ensuring the dogs stay safe in the line of duty, Detective Young says, “There’s different steps that an officer will take to protect the canine. Primarily a lot of the canines are equips with body armor. In addition to that the canine is not always let off of the leash.”

Hardy, who refused medical treatment for his injuries from the K-9 apprehension, was apparently under the influence of alcohol, and in possession of 1.8 grams of marijuana when he was arrested. Police say they found that the two passengers had been asking Hardy to stop, not flee, so they weren’t charged.

Since the K-9 was not injured severely, Hardy faces a charge of Assault 2nd Degree of Police K-9. This is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 1 year in jail and $2300 in fines. If a police K-9 is killed or seriously injured in the state of Delaware, a suspect could face up to 8 years  in prison.

Hardy was also charged, with felony disregarding a police officer signal, 2 counts of reckless endangering 2nd degree, DUI, possession of marijuana, and several traffic offenses. He is now being held at the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $6,225 bond.

The dog allegedly assaulted by Hardy suffered minor injuries and after treatment by his handler, was back on duty the next day.