Man accused of assaulting police dog to stand trial

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on January 11, 2024.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A 29-year-old Lethbridge man accused of injuring a police dog during a pursuit last year has rejected a resolution proposal from the Crown prosecutor and will stand trial, instead.

Bernhard Geisbrecht Peters made a brief appearance in Lethbridge court of justice Wednesday, where an agent for his lawyer told the judge the accused did not accept a proposal by the Crown to resolve the case without a trial. Peters pleaded not guilty to several charges, and the matter was adjourned to the case management office to schedule a date for a five-hour trial.

At about 1:40 a.m. on Sept. 15, police responded to a report that a man was breaking the windows of vehicles parked along the 2100 block of 10 Avenue South. A police dog led police to a man matching the description of the subject, but when the suspect ignored commands by police to stop and ran off, police dog Robbie went into action and caught the man.

During the apprehension, the man struck Robbie with a lock, causing lacerations to his head. Police took Robbie to the veterinarian where he received stitches and was sent home with his handler to recover.

Police reported that the suspect smashed the windows of two vehicles, and broke into a business compound, from which he stole several items and damaged a window.

Peters, who was subsequently released on bail, is charged with injuring a law enforcement animal, three counts of mischief and one count each of shop-breaking and resisting arrest.

Comments are closed.