A use-to-force investigation has been launched into why a Circleville Police K9 unit officer allowed his dog to attack a truck driver who had been pulled over and was surrendering, with his hands raised.
The July 4th incident began on SR 35, when Ohio State Highway troopers attempted to pull over 23-year old Jaddarius Rose for a missing mud flap on his semi truck. Rose pulled over briefly, but then took off. According to audio released by the Ross County Sheriff's Department Rose, who is Black, called emergency dispatchers to say he didn't understand why he was being asked to stop, and he didn't feel safe.
The patrol called Circleville Police for assistance, and troopers used stop sticks to eventually pull Rose to the side of the road. He initially refused to get out of the truck, or kneel, as instructed. But, as he kneeled in the median, hands raised, the Circleville officer identified in the incident report as Officer Ryan Speakman released his dog, although troopoers are clearly audible on body camera footage ordering him to not release the dog, because the suspect has his hands raised.
Rose was treated for multiple dog bites, and was charged with failure to comply.
Circleville police officials have declined to identify the K9 officer by name and would not say if he would face discipline, but they, as well as the Highway Patrol, are investigating the incident.
