Moniteau County K-9 not injured after suspect tries to strangle him

Moniteau County deputies arrested Sklyar Williams early Friday morning after officers conducted a vehicle stop on U.S. Highway 50 and Forrest Road for an equipment violation.

While deputies were searching Williams car, he ran back to the vehicle and attempted to get a semi-automatic gun from inside. A fight began between Williams and the deputies. A taser was deployed but had no affect on the suspect.

Officers said during the struggle, Williams tried to grab one deputies handgun. K-9 Apollo was deployed and started engaging Williams.

Deputies said Williams released the deputy and began to choke Apollo as he tried to flee the area.

California police arrived on scene and deployed another taser, eventually leading to Williams arrest.

Officers searched the car and found methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, digital scales and marijuana. The drugs looked to be packaged for sale. Deputies also found a gun in the front seat.

Williams faces possible charges of distribution of a controlled substance, assaulting a special law enforcement officer, unlawful use of a weapon, disarming a police officer in the performance of his duties, resisting arrest and assaulting a police animal. His bond has been set at $250,000.

Sheriff Tony Wheatley commented on the incident, “I believe that without the presence of the K-9 who engaged and drew the attacker off of the deputy there would have been either the deputy or suspect seriously injured or killed. K-9 Apollo survived the incident with no injuries. The deputies have minor injuries and cuts from the altercation.This is the exact reason why we here at the Moniteau County Sheriff’s Office pushed so hard to add another K-9 to the Department. On that night, he just may have made the difference between the deputy going home or not.”