K-9 and suspect struggle, fall down embankment
GRESHAM, Ore. - A sex offender with a felony warrant out for his arrest is in police custody after he ran from police and ended up in a struggle with a K-9 police dog, during which the two plunged off a steep embankment. John Clark Milan, 47, fled to a wooded hillside after he was spotted by an off-duty Troutdale police officer Wednesday night in the area of Southeast Stark and Kerslake, just east of the Troutdale City limits. Milan had a felony warrant out for his arrest for a parole violation. He has a history of sex crime offenses, including crimes involving minors. Other police officers and the Gresham Police Department's SWAT Team joined the off-duty officer to search for Milan, who was believed to be armed and dangerous. A K-9 police dog named Koda, a 4-year-old Czechoslovakian Shephard, was brought in as well. Around 1:30 a.m., one of the search teams found the suspect on a steep hillside and Koda went in to stop him. During a struggle, both Milan and Koda fell off an embankment. Police later found both of them - Milan was about 100 feet down and Koda had fallen between 60 and 70 feet. Milan was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for treatment of non life-threatening injuries. If you would like to make a donation to help in Koda's care and treatment, head to any US Bank and ask to make a deposit to the 'Gresham K-9 Fund.' Police plan to charge Milan with crimes associated with the injuries to Koda, in addition to the warrant.
Koda ended up with injuries to one of his front legs, as well as other possible injuries. He was transported to an emergency veterinary clinic for treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.