Suspect In Bizarre Crime Spree Bites Officer's Neck
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - An Aurora police officer had to be hospitalized after being bitten by a theft suspect Tuesday morning.
According to Frank Fania with Aurora police, the bizarre incident began as a "strong armed robbery" and continued with several more crimes throughout the morning.
Fania said officers responded to a robbery call at the Walmart located at 14000 East Exposition Avenue just before 5 a.m.
"The victim reported he was sleeping in his car when the suspect assaulted him and stole his cars keys," Fania said in a statement.
Officers were then called to a report of a burglary in the 14300 block of East Kentucky Place at approximately 6:35 a.m.
"The homeowner told officers he woke up and discovered he was missing several items from inside of his residence to include his car keys. He also told officers his minivan was gone," Fania said.
The suspect was then located by police in the stolen minivan at approximately 8:15 a.m. in unincorporated Arapahoe County.
"Officers attempted to arrest the suspect but he tried to flee on foot and started to fight with the officers," Fania said. "During the struggle the suspect bit one officer and a Taser was deployed."
The officer was bit on the neck.
The suspect was hit with the stun gun multiple times but it was ineffective and he fled on foot. A perimeter was set up and after several more chases the suspect was caught and taken into custody just before 9 a.m.
At one point a neighbor, Bernard Brockman, saw what was happening and helped officers take the suspect down.
"A police officer was in hot pursuit and one of the officers yelled at me and said, 'Hey, stop that man.' So that's exactly what I did, I form tackled him over there against my neighbor's fence," Brockman said.
Police believe the suspect may have committed several more burglaries. His name hasn't been released.
Additional Information From Aurora Police
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has any information on this case to please call Detective Krieger at (303)739-6112. You can also provide information on this case and remain anonymous by calling CRIME STOPPERS at 720-913-STOP (7867) or text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) and then use the title DMCS and enter the message. By doing so, you may be eligible to earn a reward of up to two thousand dollars ($2,000).
