SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A situation initially reported as an animal abuse incident escalated into a man being pepper sprayed and arrested for aggravated battery against a police officer over the weekend.
On Sept. 6, Springfield Police officers responded near the intersection of Yale Blvd. and Cornell Ave. after witnesses reported a man hitting and choking a dog. The man, identified as K’Shawn Rush, was out on pre-trial release for multiple cases of aggravated battery and aggravated assault.
Springfield Police said witnesses reported that the dog may have been stolen, and that Rush was using it to “threaten or intimidate others.”
Upon arrival, officers found Rush lying in a yard with the dog. When officers issued verbal commands to “safely resolve the situation and protect the animal,” Rush attempted to leave with the dog, disregarding the officer, Springfield Police said.
Subsequently, the situation intensified with Rush making threats toward the officer and attacking his girlfriend when she tried to take the dog away from him. Following this, an officer informed Rush that he was under arrest and attempted to take him into custody.
According to the police department, a second officer arrived on the scene and Rush continued his non-compliance, further escalating his resistance. The police department stated that he struck officers and removed equipment from their duty vests.
The police department explained that due to the “escalated” resistance, officers pepper sprayed Rush and used force to “safely” arrest him, preventing further harm to anyone else, including the dog. Several minutes later, officers took Rush into custody.
He was brought to the hospital for evaluation and treatment, out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with department policy.
Rush was arrested for aggravated battery to a police officer, domestic battery, resisting arrest, and cruelty to animals.
The Springfield Police Department has made the officer’s body worn camera footage public to ensure “full transparency regarding the incident.” The police department added that city officials, community leaders, and stakeholders have been informed about the incident.
