Tempe police dog helps arrest suspect

An unusually resilient Tempe man put up a difficult fight with authorities after pepper-spray and a Taser stun gun failed to bring him down, police said. The suspect was finally arrested with the help of a K-9 officer.

Benjamin Olanrewaju, 44, had been troubling passersby for several hours at a bus stop near University and Hardy drives, according to authorities.

Tempe police said when officers attempted to detain Olanrewaju early Tuesday morning he walked into traffic, causing an oncoming car to slam its brakes suddenly to avoid hitting him.

Police said Olanrewaju began to yell that he had a gun, while remaining in the middle of the road. After several minutes of refusing to listen to police orders, he was apprehended, police said.

Olanrewaju was sprayed with pepper-spray, but still refused to obey officer’s orders, police said. Olanrewaju attempted to punch the officer who grabbed him, and the officer used a Taser stun gun, which failed to subdue him twice.

According to authorities, the Taser stun gun had no effect because Olanrewaju’s jacket was very thick. However, a K-9 Unit responded to the scene and police canine "Tio" helped take Olanrewaju into custody.

Olanrewaju received injuries to his upper right leg from dog bites and he was treated at a local hospital. He was booked into the Tempe City Jail on suspicion of aggravated assault against a police officer and obstructing a thoroughfare, according to authorities.

No other injuries were reported. No further details were available late Tuesday.