Early this morning deputies responded to a Palatka residence after Joe Smith, 36,threatened several people inside the home.
According to witnesses, Smith was not given permission to enter the residence and while inside the home threatened to punch and kill several of the occupants.
Deputies were able to talk Smith out of the residence. But, when deputies attempted to get Smith to leave the property he became agitated and threatened to kill the deputies. When deputies attempted to arrest Smith, he began to resist, kicking and punching at them. A Taser was used in an attempt to subdue Smith, who pulled the probes out while pulling the leads toward him and fighting deputies.
Smith then attempted to flee and K9 Deputy Gentry informed the suspect K9 Halo would be released to stop him. Smith ignored the warning and K9 Halo bit Smith on the arm, pulling him to the ground. While on the ground Smith began hitting K9 Halo while kicking and hitting at deputies.
Deputies were able to subdue Smith, who was taken to Putnam Community Medical Center and medically cleared. Deputies found a rock-like substance on Smith, which was collected and submitted to be tested at a laboratory.
Smith was charged with four counts of battery to a law enforcement officer, one count of burglary of an occupied structure, one count resisting an officer with violence and one count of simple assault. Smith was taken to the Putnam County Jail and held without bond.
K9 Halo was uninjured despite being hit multiple times. His partner K9 Deputy Gentry suffered a broken finger, was treated and released.
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