A Westbrook man wanted on warrants and for questioning in connection with burglaries in Gorham is being held on charges of assaulting a police dog.

Andrew Leeman, 22, of Westbrook is being held on $1,000 bail at Cumberland County Jail. He was charged Friday afternoon after his arrest by Maine State Police troopers, Maine game wardens and Buxton police near the Buxton-Hollis town line.

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Andrew Leeman, 22 of Westbrook is being held on $1,000 bail at Cumberland County Jail. Photo courtesy of Maine Department of Public Safety

Leeman was wanted on warrants charging him with violating bail conditions, driving after having his license revoked as a habitual offender and failure to meet the terms of his Florida probation.

Police had information they would find Leeman at a bridge on Narragansett Trail, but he ran before they got there, said Trooper Jeremy Forbes. A game warden searched a field and spotted Leeman in a tree. He was ordered down but then ran.

Police caught up to him hiding behind a garage and ordered him to stop, but he ran again, Forbes said. At that point Forbes’ police German shepherd, Champ, chased Leeman and grabbed him with his jaws around the ankle.

Leeman responded by punching Champ in the head several times with his fist, police said. The dog was not injured. Leeman was checked out by rescue workers but released, Forbes said.

Leeman was taken into custody and charged with assault, refusal to submit to arrest, interference with a law enforcement dog and animal cruelty.

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