AUBURN — A man was taken into custody Thursday after he reportedly antagonized a police K9, leading to his arrest on an outstanding warrant and additional charges for mistreating the animal.
Auburn Police Department’s Officer David Ljunggren and his K9 partner, Biza, were on duty around Route 20 when they were approached by a man who began to provoke the dog.
According to the police, Jamie Ricketts, 53, of Oxford crossed Route 20 and lunged toward the cruiser where Biza was seated, causing the K9 to react.
Despite warnings from Officer Ljunggren, Ricketts continued to taunt Biza, who became increasingly agitated and began barking and hitting the cruiser’s rear door.
Det. Matthew Alexandrovich, who was also present during the incident, assisted Officer Ljunggren in addressing the situation.
Upon identifying Ricketts, the officers discovered he had an active arrest warrant.
Ricketts was arrested and charged with mistreating a police dog, a violation of Massachusetts General Law c272§77, which protects law enforcement animals from abuse and interference while performing their duties.
The statute prescribes penalties ranging from a fine of $100 to $500, imprisonment for up to two and one-half years, or both.
Police said that individuals who violate this law can be arrested without a warrant by officers who witness the offense.
Ricketts is currently being held by the Auburn Police Department as he awaits further legal proceedings.
