Crystal Lake man held for allegedly hitting police dog

By Kevin Beese Staff Reporter

Robert Hunter Jr.

A Crystal Lake man remains in Lake County Jail for allegedly resisting arrest and striking a police dog.

Robert Hunter Jr., 33, a resident of the 400 block of Buckingham Drive, was being held in lieu of $50,000 bond in connection with charges stemming from his alleged breaking into a relative’s home in an unincorporated part of Lake County near McHenry.

At 6:15 p.m. April 8, Lake County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 34700 block of North Iroquois Trail for a criminal trespass to residence complaint.

While on their way to the scene, sheriff’s deputies said they learned Hunter was breaking into a relative’s home and was armed with a pipe.

Sheriff’s deputies said they located Hunter inside the home and attempted to communicate with him, advising him to exit the home. Hunter was non-compliant, attempted to slam the front door on the deputies, and retreated into the home, according to police. The deputies, including sheriff’s K9 Diesel, entered the home and Hunter allegedly threw a glass container at them. He then attempted to barricade himself inside a bathroom, deputies said.

Sheriff’s deputies said they forced the bathroom door open and gave Hunter instructions to exit, warning him K9 Diesel would be released if he refused to comply. Hunter allegedly continued to refuse, and the dog was released.

Deputies said K9 Diesel bit Hunter on the arm and the Crystal Lake man swung at the dog, striking him, causing K9 Diesel to bite Hunter a second time. Deputies said Hunter was then taken into custody.

Deputies said K9 Diesel was not injured and a sheriff’s deputy sustained a minor cut to the head during the incident. Hunter was transported to Northern Illinois Medical Center in McHenry, where he received treatment for the dog bite, according to police. Following treatment, he was released back into the custody of sheriff’s deputies and transported to the Lake County Jail, deputies said.

After reviewing the incident, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved eight charges against Hunter:

  • Three counts of resisting arrest
  • Criminal trespass to residence
  • Striking a police dog
  • Two counts of violating an order of protection
  • Teasing a police animal

Hunter is being represented by a public defender and his next court appearance is set for May 13.