Ellendale Man Arrested After Assaulting State Police K9

Bowers Beach, DE – Troopers have arrested a 33 year old Ellendale man after he assaulted a K9 during a search to locate him on an outstanding capias.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. Tuesday August 5, 2014 when troopers responded to the 2000 block of Bowers Beach Road to assist Probation and Parole with a wanted fugitive. Robert N. Berry, originally of Ellendale, was wanted for a violation of probation as well as a home confinement absconder when he cut off his ankle GPS tracking device. Information was received by Probation and Parole that Berry was residing at the Bowers Beach home and when the officers made contact with the homeowners, they informed them Berry had fled upstairs to the second floor upon their arrival.

A trooper and his K9 “Ripper” were dispatched to the residence and commands were given to the suspect that the K9 would be released if he did not surrender. Berry did not show himself or respond to the verbal commands and “Ripper” was released to search the second floor and an unfinished portion of the attic. Berry was soon located by “Ripper” in a small access area of the attic and upon making contact with him, was struck in the neck by Berry which caused the working dog to tumble onto his back. “Ripper” quickly jumped to his feet and began biting Robert Berry’s left leg until troopers had successfully taken him into custody.

Berry was initially transported to Kent General Hospital where he was treated and released with puncture wounds to his left leg. He was then taken back to Troop 3 where he was charged with Resisting Arrest and Assault 2nd on a Law Enforcement Canine. He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in lieu of $2,000.00 cash bond on the above charges and $50,000.00 cash bond on the Violation of Probation.

“Ripper” did not sustain any injuries and continues to patrol with his trooper partner.