Moberly officers use ‘bean bag’ round on dog after it attempts to attack police

A dog is recovering after officers say they were forced to use a “bean bag” round on it after it attempted to attack them as they were arresting his owner.

Officers received a call Friday evening about a man claiming to have been assaulted by another man who had ordered his dog to attack the victim. The victim had minor injuries from the dog attack.

While police were speaking with the victim, they received another call from a resident claiming someone who matched the suspect’s description had forced his way into their home while attempting to evade police.

Officers encountered Jason A. Saldana and his dog. Police say he refused to obey their commands and threatened to release his dog on them.

A single, less lethal round, commonly known as a “bean bag” round, and pepper spray were used on Saldana. As officers were taking him into custody, the dog aggressively charged at an officer and attempted to attack. The officer used a “bean bag” round on the dog to stop the attempted attack.

The “bean bag” round is meant to be a less lethal method of force. The round does not penetrate the target’s body and will typically result in a muscle spasm to stop a potentially violent suspect.

The dog was secured by Moberly Animal Control and is being treated at the animal shelter for a non-life-threatening injury.

Saldana was arrested on suspicion of assault, assault on law enforcement, and resisting arrest. He is currently being held on a $50,000 cash-only bail.