Woman attacks officers at Walmart after questioning over animals left in hot car: police
TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG/Gray News) - A woman has been arrested after police say she attacked officers as they were questioning her about animals found in her hot vehicle.
According to the Sylvania Township Police Department, officers responded Tuesday to a Walmart on Central Avenue for reports of a dog that was locked inside a vehicle, looking distressed.
When officers arrived, they located the vehicle with a dog inside, which was barking and growling at people through the windows.
Officers said the vehicle’s windows were slightly open, but the dog was panting profusely without any water in sight.
There were also four kittens and two cats inside animal crates. Officers said two of them appeared not to be moving.
Authorities said a dog Warden and the owner of Fur Angels were then called to the scene to take the animals into their custody.
As this was happening, officers said they went inside the Walmart to locate the owner of the vehicle.
Once inside, officers were able to find the owner, identified as Dawn Wiard.
The department said Wiard told the officers she had just run inside to grab a few things and that they were not allowed to take her animals.
The woman claimed the dog was a service animal, but allegedly ignored the officers when she was asked about documentation.
According to authorities, Wiard then put an officer in what appeared to be a headlock during the questioning.
An officer who was outside with Wiard’s vehicle came inside to assist, grabbed her by the forearm, took her down to the ground and placed her in handcuffs.
The officer said he had to push Wiard’s head and neck away as she was attempting to bite him.
Sylvania Township Police learned the kittens in Wiard’s vehicle were about 6 weeks old, severely underweight and had urine scalding on their paws.
The cats have since been taken in by the Toledo Humane Society.
Wiard was booked into the Lucas County Jail on seven counts of cruelty to animals, one count of assault on a peace officer and one count of resisting arrest.
A judge set Wiard’s bond at $30,000. She’s due back in court on July 23.
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