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Police: Man who shot into home grabbed K-9 by neck, fought with him

MELBOURNE, Fla. — A man who fled after shooting into a home Wednesday evening grabbed a K-9 by the neck and fought with him before being arrested, the Melbourne Police Department said.

Police said they were called to a home on Buick Avenue near Croton and Sarno roads after Philip Spurlock, 23, shot into the home before driving away on a motorcycle.

Investigators said detectives in unmarked vehicles followed Spurlock at a safe distance as he drove at speeds in excess of 80 mph in a zone where the speed limit was 35 mph.

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Police said Spurlock ditched the motorcycle at Lillian Drive and ran into the backyard of a home on Dordon Drive, where he tried to hide behind an air-conditioning unit.

Investigators said a K-9 officer closed in on Spurlock, and Spurlock grabbed the K-9 dog, Brutus, around the neck with both hands and began to fight with him.

Police said Spurlock was arrested and taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center to be treated for a dog bite.

Spurlock was charged with shooting into an occupied dwelling, reckless driving, resisting arrest without violence and offenses against a police dog.

Police said the dog is OK.

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