Monday, Sep. 28, 2009

Modesto man goes on rampage at McHenry Avenue motel

Police tasered a Modesto man on Sunday night at a motel on McHenry Avenue after he went on a rampage, throwing furniture into a swimming pool, jumping on cars and eventually punching a police K-9 in the head.

Police were called to the Vagabond Inn at 8:34 p.m. after hotel staff reported that a man, apparently intoxicated, was vandalizing property and threatening guests and workers.

He was apparently throwing furniture out of his room, and at one point, jumped off the second-story balcony and onto the roof of a moving van, according to Modesto Police Sgt. Brian Findlen.

When police arrive to the motel at 1525 McHenry Avenue, the man locked himself in his room, and barricaded the door.

Findlen said police twice asked the man to come to the door, and when he refused, they unlocked the door with a pass key. The safety latch, however, was still on, and so they forced entry.

The man stood in the room with one hand behind his back. After he refused to show the hand, police let go of their police K-9, which began to bite the man. However, the man began punching the dog in the head.

Police then deployed their taser to subdue the man, and after he became debilitated, they quickly handcuffed him.

Nicolas Simon Cooper, 37, of Modesto, was arrested on suspicion of trespassing, resisting arrest, felony vandalism and public intoxication.

Findlen said the man did not give a reason for his behavior. He also said it appears the dog escaped injury.