Black man attacked by police canine during Ohio chase, due to confusion

A police dog attacked and mauled a Black man in Ohio during a traffic stop on July Fourth. The incident occurred after the man, Jadarrius Rose, 23, surrendered to authorities with his hands raised in the air following a “lengthy pursuit,” according to officials.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol attempted to stop Rose, who was driving a semi-tractor trailer, because it was missing a left rear mud flap. Rose, however, failed to stop for the inspector and troopers who were called in for assistance.

After two deployments of tire-deflating devices called stop sticks, Rose’s vehicle eventually came to a stop. According to the incident report, Rose informed a trooper that he was on the phone with 911 as he was being instructed to exit his vehicle. Despite multiple orders to get down on the ground, Rose did not comply.

Video footage released by the highway patrol shows Rose standing in front of troopers with his hands up. The Circleville police officer, identified as “R. Speakman,” can be heard commanding Rose to “go on the ground or you’re gonna get bit,” while the trooper tells Rose to “come to me.” Despite the trooper’s pleas not to release the dog, Speakman deploys his K9.

The video depicts the dog running towards Rose as he comes to his knees after the dog is released. It appears that the dog bites and pulls Rose by his arm, causing him to scream in pain. As Rose repeatedly screams for the dog to be removed, a trooper can be heard yelling for assistance and calling for a first aid kit.

Rose was eventually taken into custody, and the troopers immediately provided first aid and called for emergency medical services to respond. Rose has been charged with failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer, which is a fourth degree felony. He faces a potential prison sentence of six to 18 months. Rose was arraigned the following day and posted bond on July 7.

In response to the incident, Circleville Mayor Don McIlroy and Police Chief G. Shawn Baer stated that the Circleville Police K9 unit was involved in the aid request from the highway patrol. They also mentioned that a Use of Force Review Board has been convened to review the incident and will provide their findings during the week of July 31, 2023.

The culpability of the officer responsible for directing the dog to attack Rose and whether they will face disciplinary action remains unclear. Additionally, the highway patrol clarified that the canine involved belongs to the Circleville Police Department and not the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Highway Patrol Sgt. Ryan E. Purpura stated that the case remains under investigation, and no further details can be provided at this time.

Jesse Kirsch and Will Ujek contributed.