CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A police K9 caught a Clearlake man this week who was attempting to flee from officers after a burglary.

Patrick James Potter, 21, was arrested early Tuesday, according to Clearlake Police Lt. Tim Celli.

Just after 7 a.m. that day Clearlake Police were notified that a subject wearing dark-colored clothing had just smashed the window at Dr. Elizares' optometrist office, located at 3610 Old Highway 53, Celli said.

Celli said officers Travis Parson and Travis Lenz responded to the possible burglary in progress, with Lenz accompanied by his K9 partner “Dex.”

When officers arrived to the scene they observed a shattered window and additional evidence that a burglary had just occurred, Celli said. While officers checked the area, Parson observed a subject later identified as Potter running away from the scene.

Officers gave numerous commands for the subject to stop, however, Celli said Potter ignored their commands and continued to flee.

Potter led officers on a foot chase through residential yards and over fences, and continued to ignore commands to stop, which Celli said led to Lenz deploying Dex to apprehend Potter.

Celli said Potter jumped over a barbed wire fence – apparently to evade capture – which caused Dex to get tangled in the fence. Lenz untangled Dex from the fence while Potter continued to flee, ignoring commands to stop.

Once untangled from the barbed wire fence, Dex was again released to apprehend Potter, who was unable to avoid the dog, Celli said.

Potter was taken into custody without further incident after Dex bit him in the buttocks, according to Celli.

Celli said Dex suffered only minor scrapes from the fence.

During subsequent interviews with Potter he admitted that he committed the burglary and items stolen by him during the burglary were recovered, Celli said.

Celli said Potter stated he had run from police in Sonoma County before and had gotten away and believed he could do the same this time.

Potter also told police that although he heard the announcements regarding the release of the K9 he thought he could outrun the dog, Celli said.

After receiving treatment for his injuries suffered during his apprehension by Dex, Potter was transported and booked in the Lake County Jail for burglary and vandalism, and an outstanding Sonoma County warrant for theft and vandalism, Celli said.

Potter remained in custody on Friday, with a no-bail hold for the Sonoma County warrant, according to jail records.

Celli said the Clearlake Police Department thanked the reporting party for calling, which led to the apprehension of Potter – who otherwise may have gotten away with the crime.

“In partnership with the community we can make a difference,” Celli said.