GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. – A suspect was trying to evade arrest by hiding in a dishwasher beneath a porch in South Carolina when a police K9 found him and began to take him into custody, authorities said.
Deputies were attempting to arrest Kevin Leroy Scott White, 47, in April, Capt. Tim Brown of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said. Body cam footage released Wednesday shows White screaming when the police service dog (PSD) engages him.
Greenville County Sheriff’s Office
Brown explained that the K9 pulled the suspect out and latched to his side when the officer handling the dog “briefly lost his footing.” The PSD then re-engaged the suspect on top of his head. The K9 handler commands the PSD several times to release the suspect, who continues to scream on the ground, the footage shows.
Earlier in the footage, the K9 handler can be heard telling other deputies, “He’s getting dog bit.” As they continue searching for the suspect, he provides notice and an admonition, “Kevin Leroy White you’re under arrest. Come out. You’re gonna get bit by a police dog.” Nevertheless, White refuses to surrender.
An investigation to determine whether excessive force was used is being conducted by the sheriff’s department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, spokesman Lt. Ryan Flood said.
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Meanwhile, White was treated for injuries from the dog bite at a hospital. The footage includes graphic photographs of the gashes to White’s side and head after being treated.
White was wanted in Florida on a probation violation, police said. Deputies said they found 1.8 grams of crystal meth inside his pocket when he was taken into custody.
White was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, resisting arrest, failure to stop and other charges, police said. Florida declined to extradite him on the warrant.
