A cell phone video shows what led up to Canton police releasing their K-9 on a man who refused to exit his vehicle after he was pulled over by a state trooper on Sunday.
The traffic stop happened on May 13 near 8th Street and McGregor Avenue Northwest. Canton officers were dispatched to assist a state trooper who pulled over 45-year-old Ronald Wagner.
During the traffic stop both the trooper and Canton police asked Wagner for his identification and to step out of the car. Wagner refused. He told police the traffic stop wasn't legal and he didn't have to display a front plate or show an officer his identification. Authorities told him he was wrong, but Wagner still refused to exit the vehicle.
RELATED: Ohio law on displaying a front license plate
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Eventually, a Canton K-9 unit was called to the scene. Police issued commands to Wagner to get out of his car, saying if he didn't he would get bit by the dog. After a final warning, police broke both the front driver and passenger side windows and put the dog in the car. Wagner exited the car screaming with the dog clinging to his arm.
He was taken into custody and treated by EMS. Wagner was charged with unauthorized plates, driving without a valid license, display of license plates, not wearing a seatbelt, obstructing official business, and resisting arrest.
He is scheduled to appear in court on May 21.
Below is cell phone video of the incident. — WARNING — It contains graphic language and violence. When Wagner streamed the video, it reversed, which is why the steering wheel appears on the right side of the car.
Below is police body camera video of the incident. — WARNING — It contains graphic language and violence.
Canton's Internal Affairs Unit is investigating the incident to determine if any police policy or procedures were violated during the incident.
