No one can say that the Carbondale Police did not get their man on Sept. 2, and they did so with the help of man’s best friend.

The police received a phone call at 3:27 a.m. reporting that a man was breaking into an apartment at 250 S. Lewis Lane Apt. 94. When the police arrived they found Carlton Alexander, 18, of 250 S Lewis Lane inside the residence, Don Priddy, Carbondale Police Public Relations Officer said.

The police handcuffed Alexander in front instead of in back according to Priddy, so when police put Alexander in the car he escaped and ran across the parking lot.

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A canine officer was on the scene with the police dog, Jasper. Jasper was given the command to take off after Alexander. The dog knocked Alexander down and a struggle ensued. But Alexander proceeded to strike Jasper then continued to flee Priddy said.

The police chased Alexander across the street and tackled him and sprayed him with pepper spray to capture him.

These things happen all the time. For some reason people think they can just get away when they are captured, Priddy said.

Alexander was taken to Carbondale Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries he received when fighting with Jasper. An official in administration at Carbondale Memorial Hospital said Alexander was released with minor injuries.

Alexander is currently being held at the Jackson County Jail on $5000 bond. He is charged with attempted burglary, escape, disorderly conduct, criminal trespass to property and battery of a police canine. Jasper was not hurt as a result of this incident, Priddy said.