December 6, 2012

Augusta man who stabbed police dog sentenced to two years

Dustin Smith pleads guilty to a series of crimes that included stabbing the dog on Oct. 10 in Randolph.

Kennebec Journal staff report

AUGUSTA – Stabbing a police dog in the neck and leading authorities into a standoff and chase have landed an Augusta man in prison for two years.

click image to enlarge

Dustin Phillip Smith

Contributed photo

Dustin Phillip Smith, 20, received the sentence Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to a series of crimes that included stabbing the dog, Draco, on Oct. 10 in Randolph.

At the time, Kennebec County Sheriff Randall Liberty said the German shepherd was treated at a clinic in Lewiston and received stitches and staples for a deep stab wound just behind his ear.

Cpl. G.J. Neagle of the Kennebec County Sheriff's office, who was tracking the suspect and handles Draco, said Thursday that the dog is "back to duty full time."

Smith was convicted of three counts of terrorizing and one count each of interference with law enforcement dogs, refusing to submit to arrest or detention/refusing to stop, and assault.

He was arrested late Oct. 10 after an hours-long standoff at the Windsor Heights apartment complex. Police had been chasing him because of a report that he had stolen prescription drugs from a home in West Gardiner.

Police said Smith threatened officers with a 5-inch hunting knife and stabbed Draco as the dog pursued him.

On Wednesday, Smith also was ordered to pay $400 for veterinary expenses for Draco.

Smith's prison sentence will run concurrently with a probation violation. He was convicted of aggravated assault two years ago.

 

Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form

Send question/comment to the editors




Further Discussion

Here at PressHerald.com we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion. To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use.

Questions about the article? Add them below and we’ll try to answer them or do a follow-up post as soon as we can. Technical problems? Email them to us with an exact description of the problem. Make sure to include:
  • Type of computer or mobile device your are using
  • Exact operating system and browser you are viewing the site on (TIP: You can easily determine your operating system here.)


Most…