A police dog attacked a black man in Ohio during a Fourth of July traffic stop after he surrendered to officers with his hands in the air following a “long pursuit,” authorities said.
A motor carrier enforcement inspector from the Ohio State Highway Patrol attempted to pull over Zatarius Rose, 23, who was driving a semi-tractor trailer because it “did not have a left rear mud flap,” according to an incident report. Ross was traveling westbound on US Route 35 when an inspector and trooper called for help failed to stop.
Troopers used tire-deflating devices called stop sticks twice before Ross’s vehicle was stopped on US Route 23.
According to the incident report, Ross instructed a trooper to get out of his vehicle while on the phone with 911.
“After being ordered to exit the vehicle several times, the suspect exited the vehicle through the driver’s side door,” the incident report states. “The driver was ordered to get on the ground and the suspect did not comply.”
In a video released by the Highway Patrol, Rose can be seen standing with her hands in front of troopers.
A Circleville police officer with a dog can be heard telling Rose to “get on the ground or you’re going to get bitten.” Meanwhile, a trooper on the highway patrol tells Rose to “come to me.”
That’s when a Circleville police officer identified as “R. Speakman” deploys his K9.
“Don’t put your hands up and release the dog!” A trooper could be heard yelling several times before Speakman released the dog.
The video shows the dog running toward Rose, who is on his knees as Speakman frees the dog.
The video shows the dog biting the rose as it screams loudly.
“Get it!” Rose screams again and again.
“Get the dog away from him!” A trooper shouts.
Other officers can be heard calling for the first aid box.
Ross was eventually taken into custody, and “troopers immediately administered first aid and contacted EMS to respond,” the highway patrol said in a statement.
Ross is charged with failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, a fourth-degree felony according to the Highway Patrol, and faces six to 18 months in prison. He was arraigned the next day and posted bond on July 7.
Circleville Mayor Don McIlroy and Police Chief G. According to Shawn Baer, the Circleville Police K9 Unit was involved in the July 4 incident following a request for assistance from the Highway Patrol.
“In accordance with Circleville Police Department policy, a Force Review Board has been convened immediately and is investigating the incident,” the statement said. “During the week of July 31, 2023, the findings of the Use of Force Review Board will be presented.”
It’s unclear if the officer responsible for directing the dog to attack Rose faces any disciplinary action.
“The canine involved in the incident belonged to the Circleville Police Department, not the Ohio State Highway Patrol,” the Highway Patrol clarified.
Highway Patrol Sgt. Ryan E. Purpura said in a statement, “This case remains under investigation and the patrol cannot provide any details at this time.”
