CAMPBELL A Youngstown man remains in jail after being arrested on multiple felonies early Saturday following a police chase that ended with him being charged with assaulting a police dog that bit him.

The incident began just before 2 a.m., when Campbell Police say they spotted a Ford Escape traveling at 57 mph in a 35-mph zone on McCartney Road. According to a police report, the chase began after the SUV ran a red light, with Campbell and Youngstown police units joining the pursuit.

The chase ended at a dead end on Clinton Street, where 30-year-old James Woods and two passengers fled on foot into a wooded area. Woods, who police say was holding a white bag, ran away with Officer Jacob Xenakis and his K-9, Ranger, in pursuit.

 

James Woods
James Woods  

 According to the police report, Xenakis shouted a warning, "Police K-9, get on the ground or you will be bitten." When Woods failed to obey, Xenakis released Ranger, who bit Woods on his upper right thigh.

The report says that Woods then grabbed and squeezed the dog's snout. Officer Xenakis reported that he had to punch Woods half a dozen times before the suspect complied with his order to release the dog.

 After Woods was handcuffed, police say they found a folding pocketknife in his pocket. What the police report described as “a large bag of marijuana” and a backpack were found along his path in the woods, according to the report.

Woods was treated at St. Elizabeth's Hospital for a dog bite to his leg before being transported to the Mahoning County Justice Center. He faces charges including aggravated drug trafficking, assaulting a police dog, and obstructing official business.

Woods was also cited for speed, reckless operation, and driving under suspension. He is scheduled to appear in Campbell Municipal Court at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.