Written by: E. George
Published April 14, 2024 @ 8:30 PM ET
Warning: The following report describes violence against animals.
STEUBEN COUNTY, In. – Authorities arrested a 31-year-old Lookout Mountain, Georgia man, and a 35-year-old Fremont, Indiana woman on Monday, April 8, 2024, after a foot pursuit in Indiana, during which the male tried to drown a K-9 officer. Steuben County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an East County Road 200 North residence in rural Scott Township at approximately 3:30 PM regarding trespassing.
The residence owner reported they spotted a male and female trespassing on the property. Upon arrival, the deputies observed the property owner confronting a man and a woman, who ran into the woods when they approached with K-9 officers.
The owner assisted law enforcement in tracking the suspects by chasing them in a utility terrain vehicle. Deputies issued a warning to stop, or they would release a K-9, but the two suspects continued fleeing.
Officers released K-9 Klara, who began tracking. Officials said the female, Hollie Sue Richter, surrendered after a while, and they detained her.
The male, Skyler Austin Robertson, kept running but was eventually located by the K-9 as he entered a creek. According to the agency, Robertson attempted to drown K-9 Klara by grasping her collar and forcing and holding her head underwater when she bit him.
K-9 Klara released her grip to escape the water, and Robertson began running again. Indiana State Police detained him shortly after.
K-9 Klara underwent treatment at a local veterinary clinic for water in her lungs; officials said she is expected to recuperate. The suspects received treatment for their injuries and were transported to the county jail.
Police discovered that Robertson had an active warrant for failing to appear for charges of possessing marijuana and resisting law enforcement. He faces charges, including interfering/striking a law enforcement animal and two counts of resisting law enforcement officers.
Officials found active warrants for Richter as well for possessing methamphetamine, escaping a community corrections facility, and failing to return to lawful detention. She faces a charge of resisting law enforcement.
Robertson and Richter remain detained without bond, and a court appearance is pending. This is an active case.