California Woman Punches K-9, Officer After Pursuit

A woman wanted on an assault warrant was arrested after leading Palo Alto, CA, police on a car and foot chase, but not before punching an officer and striking a police dog early Wednesday, according to police.

Tyechia Denise Payton was arrested on assault counts involving hitting an officer and K-9, among other charges. Photo: Palo Alto PDTyechia Denise Payton was arrested on assault counts involving hitting an officer and K-9, among other charges. Photo: Palo Alto PD

A woman wanted on an assault warrant was arrested after leading Palo Alto, CA, police on a car and foot chase, but not before punching an officer and striking a police dog early Wednesday, according to police.

Her defiance extended into her jail booking, where her mugshot shows her making an obscene gesture with her middle finger, reports the Mercury News.

After being pulled over, the driver reportedly sped away and led police on a pursuit until she reached a dead end and exited the car, confronting officers who had closed in.

She reportedly “began punching an officer” and ran off after another officer tried to deploy a Taser at her. She was subdued by a Palo Alto police K-9, but not before she struck the animal, police said.

Police say the suspect was identified as 34-year-old Tyechia Denise Payton. The officer and police dog she allegedly hit showed no reported injuries.

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