Man Arrested For Burglary and Assault on K-9 Officer

Incident Type: Burglary / Criminal Mischief / Resisting Arrest / Obstructing the Administration of the Law / Assault on a Police Canine

Date and Time of Incident: 03/15/2020 @ 02:59 AM

Accused name / location / age: David Searnock / Little Egg Harbor Twp. / 50 y/o

Incident Location: 10 S Block of N. New York Rd.

Arresting / Investigating Officer: K-9 Ofc. David LaSassa #121

Misc. / Other Related Information: On the above date and time, patrol officers responded to a residence near the above location for a residential burglar alarm. While checking the property, officers observed that a rear window leading into a basement that had been forced open. 

A perimeter was established, and the property owner assisted officers to make entry into the residence. During the search, officers located the suspect, David Searnock, in a stairwell leading into the basement. He was non-compliant and refused to be taken into custody. With the assistance of K-9 Ofc. LaSassa’s canine partner, Evo, officers were able to apprehend Mr. Searnock. While resisting arrest, Mr. Searnock assaulted K-9 Evo.   Fortunately K-9 Evo did not sustain any injuries.

Mr. Searnock was ultimately transported to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center – Mainland Division by the Galloway Twp Ambulance squad for medical issues unrelated to the incident.  Mr. Searnock was charged with the above listed offenses and released to medical personnel.