Suspect caught barking up the wrong tree

COLUMBUS – A suspect trying to flee his impending arrest through various backyards saw his escape end after being found in a tree after police followed the sound of an aggressively barking dog that had cornered the detainee.

Michael White, 23, was scheduled to be brought into custody for an outstanding warrant. The Deputy Bailiffs at the Colorado County Courthouse intended to serve the warrant at around 10:40 a.m.

White gained knowledge of his impending arrest and aimed to flee on foot. His escape attempt led him through several residential yards as he even stole a bike to aid in his efforts.

While resisting arrest on foot, he found himself in the yard of the Everett family near Milam. The Everetts’ four-legged member of the family, Boomer, began barking and foaming at the mouth as White fled into a tree in a neighboring backyard.

“He thought he was going to jump over the fence and run to the other side, but that didn’t happen because Boomer was there,” Sara Everett said of the situation after unknowingly arriving while it was in progress.

The police had already notified local schools and daycares of the attempted escape and immediately set a perimeter around his presumed position. Law enforcement used the barking sound as a clue in their search for the suspect.

On approach, law enforcement tased White and took him into custody after being medically cleared by Colorado County EMS. White was taken to the Colorado County Jail and was charged with Evading Detention and Resisting Arrest.

Boomer was given plenty of credit for his efforts during the arrest as, according to Everett, Chief Deputy Justin Lindemann and CPD’s Captain Wendy Alley each commended the dog and expressed that Boomer deserved a reward from his owners.

The arrest was completed by a combined force of the Sheriff’s Office and the Columbus Police Department.