A man suspected of burglary kicked Morgan Hill Police Department’s K-9 dog Bosco in the head several times in the attic of a local home during a Sunday evening incident, according to authorities. Despite the suspect’s resistance, Bosco helped apprehend him by clamping down on his ankle.
Officers arrested three adult suspects—two men and one woman—who were found in the process of burglarizing a home on the 700 block of Mendocino Way Oct. 9, according to a MHPD press release.
Police were called to the home about 9:15 p.m. and met with a woman who reported she saw a man enter her home, according to authorities. Officers approached the residence to investigate, calling into the home ordering anyone inside to exit.
After a few minutes, a man and a woman came to the door, police said. They were identified as Gilbert Pimental, 33 of Milpitas, and Rachel Delgadillo, 35 of Morgan Hill. They were questioned and later arrested on suspicion of burglary.
After these suspects told police there was a third still hiding inside the home, MHPD’s K-9 unit was called to the scene to assist with the search, police said. As officers entered the home, they repeatedly announced who they were and ordered anyone who was hiding to come out. No one responded, and the search eventually led to the attic, where K-9 Bosco and his handler then conducted a further search.
After entering the attic, the officer and dog located Teofilo Ponce, 39 of Santa Clara, hiding in the corner, according to the MHPD release.
Ponce resisted arrest and kicked Bosco in the head three times in an attempt to get away, according to police. After being struck, Bosco was able to latch his teeth onto Ponce’s ankle. He was arrested with minor injuries, including lesions on his face.
All three suspects were booked at Santa Clara County Jail, police said.
Anyone with information about this incident can call MHPD at (669) 253-4964 or the anonymous tip line at (408) 947-7867.
