Police K9 Bites Thorne Drive Strangling Suspect in Domestic Violence Case

A 51-year-old man accused of nearly strangling a woman at his house was arrested early Friday morning after police sent a canine inside, who found the suspect hiding in a closet and bit him, authorities said.

According to La Mesa police, officers responded to a domestic violence call at 2:13 a.m. in the 5000 block of Thorne Drive in west La Mesa, just north of El Cajon Bouelvard.

“The female victim met officers outside as they arrived,” police said in a news release.  “The officers discovered that during an argument, the suspect kicked the victim in the abdomen, then pinned her down on the sofa and used his hands to strangle her to the point of her not being able to breathe.  The victim almost lost consciousness.”

Officers attempted to call the man outside, but he refused, police said 

“The suspect barricaded himself inside the residence,” police said.  “A [San Diego sheriff’s office] canine officer was requested.  After numerous attempts to have the suspect surrender and come outside, the canine was deployed inside the home.”

Police said the dog found the suspect hiding in a closet and bit and pulled at him and his clothing, allowing officers to make the arrest. 

The suspect—identified as Daniel Garcia Guzman, 51, of La Mesa—suffered scratches to his back.  He was taken to Sharp Grossmont Hospital with minor injuries before being booked into County Jail in San Diego.  The victim did not seek medical treatment.

Guzman was booked into County Jail for assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury and resisting arrest. He is being held on $30,000 bail, with arraignment set for 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4 in El Cajon Superior Court.