Man Arrested After Dog Attacks K9, Kicks Deputy During SWAT Raid

A Moselle man was arrested Monday, June 16, following a confrontation with law enforcement during the execution of a search warrant by the Franklin County Narcotics Unit and SWAT team.

According to the probable cause statement, the incident unfolded around 12:20 p.m. at a residence located in the 2100 block of High Street in Moselle. Deputies were executing a drug-related search warrant at the property, and 60-year-old Kevin McNamara, the suspect, was present at the time.

McNamara, who was reportedly uncooperative and aggressive, was detained in handcuffs for the duration of the search. While deputies secured the area, McNamara’s pit bull—a 60 to 70-pound black and white male—remained nearby and was initially described as friendly.

The situation escalated when a detective returned to his vehicle with K9 Tank, a police dog. Deputies asked McNamara whether his dog was friendly with other dogs, to which he replied that the animal did not get along with other males. Moments later, McNamara’s dog spotted K9 Tank from approximately 20 to 30 feet away and charged, biting the police K9 in the mouth and drawing blood.

Officers attempted to break up the attack, including an unsuccessful attempt to use OC spray. As the dog returned for a second attempt to bite K9 Tank, a deputy was instructed to deploy his Taser. The Taser was effective in stopping the dog.

While the deputy was tracking the dog with his Taser, McNamara allegedly kicked him in the left leg just below the knee. The deputy did not witness the kick himself, as his attention was on the dog, but heard a commotion and saw other deputies subduing McNamara.

Two other deputies, who were standing nearby, reportedly witnessed the assault and informed McNamara that he was under arrest for assaulting a law enforcement officer. Despite repeated explanations that his dog had only been Tased, McNamara insisted deputies had shot the animal.

Although the deputy's body camera was active, it did not capture the moment of the alleged kick. None of the other officers were wearing body cameras at the time. Boone reported no visible injuries.

McNamara is charged with fourth-degree assault and being held on a $10,000 bond.