Wanted man arrested after tussle with police dog

PETALUMA, Calif. -- A Petaluma man wanted on several no bail warrants was arrested Sunday afternoon after allegedly fleeing from police, resisting arrest and attacking a police dog as he attempted to escape.

A Petaluma officer spotted Travis Miller, 32, around 2:20 p.m. as Miller was riding a bicycle on Payran Street at Rio Vista Way, according to Sgt. Ralph Evans.

The officer knew Miller had several no bail arrest warrants, and tried to stop him, but Miller allegedly refused to stop.

The officer pursued in his vehicle until Miller tried to turn into the Baywood Service Center Driveway on East Washington Street and fell off his bike, Evans said.

When the officer exited his vehicle with his K-9 partner, Miller took an aggressive stance and refused to comply with orders to get on the ground. When the police dog pulled him to the ground he struck the dog on the head and tried to pull the dog's jaw away from his arm.

Miller told police he had run because he has a pending suspended 4-year prison sentence, according to Evans. Police said the warrants for Miller's arrest include charges of assault with a deadly weapon, child abuse and possession of a controlled substance.

Miller was treated at a local hospital for a minor injury to his right arm, and then booked into Sonoma County Jail on charges of delaying or obstructing an officer and assault on a police K-9, as well as on the warrants.

The K-9 was not injured.

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