Author's note: My name is Mathew Cole and I'm an officer with the Sullivan County Sheriffs Office, Blountville, Tenn. I joined the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office in 2008 and became a member of the SCSO patrol K-9 Unit in 2010. My K-9 partner, Diablo, is certified in patrol and narcotic detection through the USPCA.
Just before midnight on February 3, 2013, officers received a report of a disturbance between two brothers at a home in Blountville, Tenn. Upon arrival, the victim told officers his brother was intoxicated and had become upset over something he said. The suspect, identified as Aaron Hooker, had already left the home before officers arrived. Dispatch informed officers that Hooker had three outstanding warrants for felony vandalism, a parole violation and failure to appear on aggravated burglary charges.
Officers received information that Hooker could be at Apache Drive in Blountville. Officers spoke with a female at the home who told them that Hooker was hiding downstairs, possibly in a bedroom or a crawl space. Officers went downstairs and gave several verbal commands to the suspect telling him to come out. The suspect didn't respond.
At that point, Officer Matt Cole released his K-9 partner Diablo into the crawl space underneath the home. K-9 Diablo located and apprehended the suspect. But instead of surrendering, Hooker proceeded to punch Diablo, who once again apprehended the suspect. The suspect again fought Diablo, causing him to have to apprehend Hooker for a third time. Diablo held the suspect until Officer Cole could get to the suspect and gain compliance. Aaron Hooker was then placed into handcuffs and taken into custody for the active arrest warrants.
While escorting Hooker outside he spit blood and saliva into Officer Cole’s face. As a result, Hooker has been charged with assault on an officer. He was transported to the Bristol Regional Medical Center for treatment. Upon release from the hospital, Hooker will be transported to the Sullivan County Correctional Facility.