On July 5, 2020, the Stafford Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on McCarty Road for a breaking and entering in progress call. Deputies contacted the victim who stated that they came home to find a subject named Kevin in their home. The suspect was wearing a t-shirt that belonged to the victim. The victim added that the suspect had discarded dirty clothes in their trash and had eaten some of their food. The suspect was last seen fleeing out the back door of the residence.

The suspect was able to be identified as Kevin Garner, 36. Garner was wanted on assault charges from an incident occurring the day before where he had fled from deputies.

Shortly after arriving on scene, deputies were contacted that Garner had returned to his home but had since fled. Deputies responded to Garner’s home and located the victim’s shirt at the residence.

Deputy J. H. Truslow and his K-9 partner, Rip, responded to conduct a track to locate Garner. Deputy Truslow and Rip located Garner. During the apprehension of Garner, he struck K-9 Rip with a shovel handle and continued to flee. Garner was then able to be apprehended by deputies. Garner continued to resist arrest while being placed into custody. Garner assaulted deputies during his arrest. K-9 Rip suffered a laceration as a result of the assault.

Garner was arrested for breaking and entering, two counts of felony larceny, two counts of assaulting a law enforcement officer, two counts of obstruction of justice, malicious wounding of a law enforcement canine, and animal cruelty. Garner was also served on outstanding warrants for assault and battery and vandalism. Garner was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.