K9 Dax Punched While Apprehending Man Who Fled Hospital: Police

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A police dog helped apprehend a man who fled police custody while being treated at an area hospital on New Year's Eve.

Lake County Sheriff's Office K9 Dax and Dax's handler, Deputy John Forlenza, were called to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, 450 Route 22 in unincorporated Barrington, at about 5:20 a.m. on New Year's Eve after learning the man, Jaime C. Romero, had fled on foot.

Romero, who was arrested earlier morning in Island Lake for allegations he strangled and beat his girlfriend, was taken to the hospital to be evaluated and treated.

While K9 Dax and Forelenza were tracking Romero through a parking lot at the hospital, authorities learned a burglar alarm had gone off at an orthopedic doctor's office in the 27400 block of Route 22, which is about a half-mile from the hospital.

Dax and Forelenza went to the orthopedic doctor's office and found a door open at the business, and it is believed Romero broke into the business, police said.

"K9 Dax began barking to alert Romero that he was there. Deputy Forlenza made several announcements to Romero to surrender, or K9 Dax would be released. Romero refused to surrender, and K9 Dax located him in the doctor’s office, and bit his leg," according to authorities. Romero punched K9 Dax, who "was not fazed by Romero's strikes," police said.

Romero was taken into custody and evaluated for the dog bite to his leg, and then transported to the Lake County Jail. He has been charged with two counts of aggravated domestic battery, striking a police animal, resisting arrest and criminal trespass to a building.

Romero made his first appearance in court over the weekend and was ordered held pending a detention hearing. The detention hearing will take place on Tuesday afternoon.

Per policy, K9 Dax was evaluated by his veterinarian, since he was struck, and has been cleared to return to work.