By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com
A man was arrested after police said he used his dog in an attempt to steal two vehicles in Elk Grove, police said today.
Ronald John Tomlinson (photo left), 46, was booked into Sacramento County Jail on suspicion of carjacking and parole violation on Monday.
Elk Grove police said he used a pit bull to try to steal vehicles from customers at the AM/PM station, 10421 Grant Line Road.
In the first incident Tomlinson is suspected of ordering his dog to attack a customer, which resulted in a customer being bitten on his leg.
The customer had confronted Tomlinson when he tried to open the customer's car door, police said.
After that, police said Tomlinson and his dog got into a second vehicle. When the customer saw the two sitting in his vehicle he objected and Tomlinson began to open the car door to release his animal, according to a Police Department news release.
The customer backed away. Tomlinson, unable to start the vehicle, then fled with the arrival of police at the station, the release states.
A police dog helped officers find Tomlinson near a fence and some bushes. Tomlinson, police said, released his pit bull to fight with the leashed police dog.
The pit bull eventually broke off the fight and hid behind Tomlinson who was still in the bushes.
Officers then used the police dog to get Tomlinson to surrender.
The dog bit Tomlinson on the arm and the two dogs fought again. An officer was able to grab the pit bull by the scruff of the neck and the animal was removed from the immediate area.
Tomlinson, who was treated for his injuries, was taken into custody and his dog was turned over to animal services.
The police dog and officers were not hurt.
Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.