Grant Park, IL – A Monee man was arrested late Monday night for allegedly assaulting an Illinois State Police canine near Route 1. The incident raises concerns about the safety of police dogs in the line of duty.
According to reports, Illinois State Police responded to a call regarding a man walking near Route 1 before 9 p.m. The suspect, identified as Jeremy R. Johns, had allegedly entered a gas station in Grant Park and harassed patrons there. When officers approached Johns, he fled the scene, allegedly taking a swing at them in the process.
State Troopers then turned to deployed a K9 unit. However, during the process, Johns allegedly struck the police canine, endangering the officers and the animal. The Illinois State Police District 21 promptly arrested Johns, who is now held at the Jerome Combs Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.
Johns now faces charges of Aggravated Assault of a Peace Officer, guide hearing and support dog violations, and disorderly conduct.
The safety of police dogs is crucial, given their role in law enforcement. The alleged assault underscores the risks these loyal animals face while serving alongside officers. Law enforcement officials take such incidents seriously, as attacks on police dogs hinder law enforcement efforts and endanger these valuable assets.
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, nine K-9s have been killed in the line of duty in 2023. Among them is Chase, a K-9 of the Cobb County Police Department in Georgia, who died of heatstroke last week. Heatstroke is responsible for approximately 40% of annual active K-9 unit deaths, as reported by Bark.com.
Johns is currently in custody at the Jerome Combs Detention Center in Kankakee, awaiting a bond hearing.
