Police service dog hospitalized after swallowing evidence

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A police service dog had to be hospitalized Monday night after it swallowed a bag of "powder residue" during a traffic stop, according to an arrest report.

Police say it all started when they saw 31-year-old James Garrard in the parking lot of McDonalds at the corner of 28th St. and Broadway, an area they say is "known for narcotics."

According to the arrest report, Garrard drove out of the parking lot and headed east on Broadway, weaving in and out of oncoming traffic several times.

When police stopped Garrard, they say he had "constricted pupils" and seemed "very disoriented" and "unsteady" on his feet.

Garrard allegedly told police that he had taken four Percocet in 12 hours.

His 3-year-old child was lying across his lap in the truck, with no booster seat, according to the arrest report.

Garrard allegedly gave police permission to search his truck, and police say they found several baggies with "powder residue" in them.

A drug dog was brought in to check the baggies and police say it registered a "hit" for drugs. The dog also unexpectedly ingested one of the baggies, and had to be taken to the Shively Animal Clinic for treatment.

Garrard was arrested at the scene and charged with endangering the welfare of a minor, assault of a service animal, tampering with physical evidence, driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance.