-Deputies dodge dog attack

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  • Deputies dodge dog attack
    Deputies dodge dog attack
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Several local suspects are facing aggravated assault charges after deputies were met with an aggressive canine while attempting to serve warrants on an elusive suspect at a Silverwood Drive residence last Wednesday, according to officials.
“It was a very aggressive dog,” said Lt. Alan Roach of the Lumpkin County. “They sure enough meant for the dog to attack the officers.”
At the time officers were attempting to arrest Dahlonega resident Justin Brister, 29, who had reportedly given officials the slip on multiple occasions, including a car chase in Hall County.
As a result, officers from Lumpkin County, Hall County and Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office coordinated their arrival at the residence.
“Once arriving on scene, one subject was immediately detained, and another male subject released an aggressive dog on law enforcement and the male ran back inside,” stated a release from the LCSO.
Investigators are still trying to determine who released the canine.
Often such attacks don’t end well for the dog, said Roach.
But in this case the fast acting deputies were able to stand their ground and calm the canine.
“A lot of the time law enforcement officers may have to use deadly force to defend themselves,” Roach said. “However, this group that was out there was lucky to avoid doing that and was still able to take everybody into custody safely.”
One of the deputies on the scene happened to be former K-9 handler Mark Sutton.
“That probably helped the situation,” said Roach.
Once the mixed-breed dog was secure, officers swarmed the residence and were able to make a total of seven arrests.
Brister was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, possession of methamphetamine, fleeing or attempting to elude police, reckless driving, traffic violations and multiple charges pending in Hall County.
Other arrestees included:
• Wesley Martin, 27, of Dahlonega, was charged with hindering apprehension of a criminal and aggravated assault on a police officer,
• Jessica Brown, 39, of Dawsonville was charged with hindering apprehension of a criminal.
• Christopher Strickland, 30, of Cumming was charged with with aggravated assault on a police officer.
• Quinton Bailey, 41, of Dawsonville was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer
• Tamera Brown, 30, of Jasper, was charged with hindering apprehension of a criminal.
• Donald Nalley, 34, of Dahlonega, was charged with hindering apprehension of a criminal.
After the arrest, the dog was transported to Lumpkin County Animal Shelter.
“It had to be taken to the shelter so it wasn’t just left there to starve,” said Roach.