Man chokes officer & K9 during arrest

Milford, Conn. (WTNH) - A Milford man is facing charges after police say he assaulted an officer and a police K9 when they tried to take him into custody.

The incident began at the Milford Inn on Old Gate Lane on Thursday when the police department received a complaint regarding a suspicious vehicle parked in the motel parking lot. The car belonged to a man who was staying in one of the rooms.

When police arrived they found William Hanks, 36 of Thompson Street. While police were talking to Hanks they found drug paraphernalia inside his room and found out there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest in Bridgeport. The warrant was for failing to appear in court on drug charges.

When police tried to arrest Hanks, he led them on a brief foot chase that ended at Secondi's Truck Stop, also on Old Gate Lane. Then when officers tried to take him into custody, police say Hanks struck one of the officers several times. An officer deployed an electronic control device to gain control of Hanks twice, however it did not affect him. At that point, Hanks continued to fight with the officers and allegedly wrapped the electrical wires around the neck of one of the officers and attempted to choke him.

Hanks then broke free and continued to run from police. After Hanks tried to run a second time, a police K9 came out to try and apprehend Hanks. Hanks allegedly struck the K9 several times and began to choke the dog as well. Police were then able to separate Hanks from the dog but Hanks continued to struggle with officers. Police say they deployed an electronic control device a third time, but again, it had no affect. As officers were trying to gain control of Hanks, he also attempted to pull a firearm from one of the officer's holsters.

Hanks was eventually taken into custody where he later admitted to using crack cocaine prior to the incident.

Three officers were treated for minor injuries during the assault and were later released from a local hospital. The dog did not received any apparent injuries and is being monitored.

Hanks was also treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and transported to the Milford Police Department for processing. Hanks is being held in lieu of $120,000 bond and charged with three counts of assault on a police officer, interfering with a police officer, criminal attempt to commit cruelty to an animal, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to appear in court.