The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) laid its first-ever charge under Quanto’s Law after a police service dog was assaulted at the end of a high-speed chase in the city’s northeast.
In May of 2014, the federal government introduced legislation that came to be known as Quanto’s Law to protect police service animals injured or killed in the line of duty. The law came about after Quanto, an EPS service dog, was stabbed and killed by a man trying to get away from police in October of 2013.
READ MORE: Prime Minister in Edmonton to introduce Quanto’s Law
Police said its canine unit noticed a minivan speeding near 127 Avenue and 9 Street at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday evening. When officers tried to pull the vehicle over, they said it sped away southbound on Anthony Henday Drive.
The EPS helicopter tracked the minivan as it was “driving erratically in Edmonton, Beaumont and Strathcona County for over an hour.” Police said at times, it was going faster than 120 km/h.
When the vehicle reentered city limits, police said officers brought it to a stop by deploying a spike belt near police headquarters in the downtown core. The vehicle came to a halt at the parking lot of the old Remand Centre and the driver ran away on foot.
Police said Jagger, a police service dog, caught the suspect, at which time the dog was assaulted. They said the dog’s injuries were not life threatening.
“Jagger was assaulted by the suspect, struck in the face several times,” Sgt. Adam Segin of the Edmonton Police Service said.
According to police, officers recovered about $6,300 worth of meth, a loaded handgun and ammunition, bear spray, a hatchet as well as a non-specified amount of money when they arrested the suspect.
Ryan James Prystay, 33, has been charged with injuring or endangering a law enforcement animal, flight from a peace officer, dangerous driving and numerous drugs- and weapons-related offences.
READ MORE: Edmonton police dog killed during pursuit
READ MORE: RCMP unveil special plaque for Police Service Dog Quanto
Watch below: On May 12, 2014, Stephen Harper, who was prime minister at the time, visited Edmonton to announce details of Quanto’s Law. Vinesh Pratap reports.
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