GREENFIELD — When an arrest turns violent, it’s a frightening moment for a police officer.
Officer Caleb Freeman of the Greenfield Police Department and his K-9 partner, Ace, a 2-year-old German Shepherd, recently had a scary moment when both were attacked as they investigated a suspect on a report of domestic violence.
Neither Freeman nor Ace was injured, but it is unusual for a police dog to be attacked. The incident underscored the precautions officers take to make sure their K-9 partners are well-protected.
The suspect, Richard Sirosky, 40, Wilkinson, has been charged with six crimes, including battery against a public safety official, a Level 6 felony; and striking a law enforcement animal and resisting law enforcement, both Class A misdemeanors.
The incident happened on March 1, as Freeman and Ace went to an address on West North Street, where investigators thought they would find Sirosky.
After at first not finding the suspect in an apartment in the residence, Freeman had Ace sweep the house. Officers quickly zeroed in on a small bathroom in another part of the house where the suspect, it turns out, had barricaded himself, according to an affidavit.
“I warned him I was going to be using my partner Ace, and when (Ace) found him he was going to get bit, but he ignored the warnings,” Freeman said.
Officers kicked in the door, and Ace locked on to the suspect’s arm. That’s when, according to the affidavit, the suspect lunged toward Freeman and the dog. He grabbed Freeman around the neck trying to pull him to the ground. At one point, as the dog was biting the suspect, the suspect grabbed the dog’s ears and snout and tried to bite back, the affidavit says.
Once Freeman found his footing, he and Ace were able to subdue the suspect.
“When something like that happens, we’re going to do whatever we have to do to stop any assault on him to make sure Ace is safe,” Freeman said.
Medics were called to the scene to tend to Sirosky, who sustained minor injuries. He was taken Hancock Regional Hospital and then was booked into the Hancock County Jail where he remains.
In addition to the charges related to his arrest, Sirosky was charged with strangulation and domestic battery resulting in bodily injury, both Level 6 felonies, and interference with reporting a crime, a Class A misdemeanor. Those charges were related to the the original investigation.
As for Freeman and Ace, the training they undergo prepared them for the confrontation.
“It kind of comes with the territory, unfortunately,” Freeman said.
It’s why all officers, including K-9 officers like Ace, wear protective gear. Ace is equipped with a ballistic and stab-proof vest, just like Freeman.
Freeman and other officers would prefer to not have to use their K-9 partners when making arrests, he said, but when they have to have a certain level of force when dealing with some criminals, the K-9 partners are an excellent alternative.
“He’s another tool on the belt,” Freeman said. “He’s been fantastic.”
