COLUMBUS (AP) — The police department in Circleville has fired an officer who released his police dog on a surrendering truck driver even after state troopers told him to hold the dog back.
A statement issued Wednesday said Ryan Speakman “did not meet the standards and expectations we hold for our police officers.” It said he has been “terminated from the department, effective immediately.”
The firing came one day after Circleville’s police chief announced Speakman was put on paid administrative leave.
The July 4 episode began when troopers tried to stop a semitruck that was missing a mudflap and failed to halt for an inspection.
Circleville police were called to assist.