WILMINGTON, NC, (WWAY) -- The State Bureau of Investigation is reviewing a recent arrest involving a K-9, as requested by Wilmington Police Chief Ralph Evangelous and District Attorney Ben David.
During a checkpoint in the 1500 block of Market Street on Oct. 31, a suspect failed to stop. Police said the driver, Johnnie Williams, attempted to hit several of the officers with his car and then led them on a chase. The chase ended at the intersection of Castle Hayne Road and N. 23rd Street.
A Wilmington Police K-9 Officer used his K-9 to try and stop Williams, which resulted in him getting hurt. The New Hanover County Sheriff's Department arrested Williams, who faces charges of four counts of assault with a deadly weapon on law enforcement, felony speeding to elude, along with numerous traffic violations.
Before being booked in jail, Williams was taken to the hospital for injuries he suffered from the police dog.
"We have asked the SBI to review this case because of the number of agencies involved in the pursuit and we want to make sure our officers followed proper procedure in assisting with this arrest", said Police Chief Ralph Evangelous. "Bringing in the SBI will help to provide an objective review of the incident."
The K-9 Officer is currently on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
