Deputies say assault suspect tried to choke K9 during manhunt
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BLACKFOOT — Prosecutors allege a Blackfoot man tried to choke a police dog as he ran from deputies.
Cory Cox, 43, is charged with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and harm of a police K9. According to an affidavit of probable cause obtained by EastIdahoNews.com, the incident began on April 29 when a semi-truck driver said Cox pulled out a pistol and threatened to shoot out the tires of a driver’s semi-truck.
When Bingham County Sheriff’s deputies found the trucker at 500 North 150 West, he claimed Cox got him to pull over and started yelling at him. He said Cox was not making any sense when he pulled out the black pistol and started making threats. The trucker told deputies he feared for his life before Cox got into his own vehicle and drove away.
Eventually, Cox crashed into a farm field’s pivot irrigation system. Cox left that scene and started walking towards the Lava beds where deputies caught up to him.
It’s not exactly clear what happened next, but court documents indicate Cox was uncooperative with deputies and a K9. During a struggle, Cox is alleged to have kicked the K9 before grabbing it around the throat to choke the animal.
The K9 dog bit Cox, and deputies placed him into custody. Medical staff at a local hospital ensured Cox was okay and he was booked into the Bingham County Jail.
Cox is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 13 at the Bingham County Courthouse.
Although Cox is charged with crimes, it does not necessarily mean he committed them. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted of felony aggravated assault, Cox could be ordered to spend up to five years in prison and or pay a $50,000 fine.