NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Nashville police said an accused church burglar is facing several charges, including aggravated animal cruelty, after trying to stab a police dog during her arrest.
Police said Canine Officer Austin Bass and his partner, Otto, responded to a burglary call around 10 p.m. Thursday at Carpenter’s Square Church on Nolensville Pike.
According to police, Bass ordered the suspect — identified as 37-year-old Bonnie McLemore — to surrender or he would send in a dog. McLemore apparently tried to block them from entering by putting a chair in the window.
Police said she also threatened to shoot the dog and tried to stab him with a pair of scissors before she was restrained.
Both Bass and his police dog suffered cuts from broken glass and required medical attention.
Police said McLemore drove to the church in a Dodge Charger that she admitted to stealing earlier Thursday from the 400 block of McNally Drive.
She was jailed on a $42,000 bond on charges of burglary, auto theft, aggravated animal cruelty and vandalism.
