CLEARLAKE >> The suspect in a burglary received additional charges after a struggle with officers, which began when he allegedly kicked a police K9 multiple times.
Wednesday just before 10:30 p.m., Clearlake Police Department (CPD) officers responded to the 3700 block of Yolo Alley on a report of a possible residential burglary in progress, according to CPD Sgt. Rodd Joseph. The owner of the property, who was out of the area at the time, called to report a break in by a known family member. The owner had received information from a neighboring resident about the possible burglary.
When officers arrived, they looked through the windows and saw a man inside the kitchen placing items into a black trash bag, Joseph stated. When the suspect spotted officers outside the home, he made a peace sign with his hand and yelled at officers he was just getting some food. The suspect then walked over and turned out the lights and disappeared to an unknown location inside the home.
The man reportedly refused to come out and speak with officers, who established a secured perimeter around the residence and obtained permission from the owner to force entry into the home, Joseph stated.
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CPD officer Travis Lenz and his K9 partner Dex were the first at the scene. Lenz reportedly made numerous announcements for the suspect to surrender or his K9 would be deployed. After approximately five announcements with no response from the suspect, Dex was released into the home with a search command to find the suspect, Joseph sated.
After a short period of time, Dex found the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Clearlake transient Steven Michael Fuller, hiding inside an interior closet. Dex apprehended Fuller by the right lower leg and Fuller then allegedly began kicking Dex in the face with his left foot. After a brief struggle involving several officers, Fuller was ultimately taken into custody, Joseph stated. None of the officers nor Dex were injured in the incident.
Fuller was transported to St. Helena Hospital, Clear Lake for medical treatment and then booked into the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility. Fuller was charged with residential burglary, resisting arrest and assaulting a police K9.
