TMP Reports
Posted: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 4:54 pm

A burglar apparently caught in the act assaulted two police officers before escaping, only to be captured by a police K-9 Tuesday morning on Atlas Street, the Murfreesboro Police spokesman said.

Suspect Matthew V. Thomas, 21, was treated for dog bites at Middle Tennessee Medical Center, said spokesman Kyle Evans. After his treatment, Thomas was charged with aggravated burglary, vandalism over $500, two counts of assaulting police officers, evading arrest and resisting arrest.

Officers Anthony Whitehead and Tracey Womack were dispatched about 11 a.m. to a burglary in progress at 1906 Atlas Street off Middle Tennessee Boulevard.

“When officers arrived, they saw the suspect enter the front of the residence,” Evans said. “The officers chased the suspect into the residence and were assaulted by the suspect inside the residence. They’re fine.”

During the struggle, Thomas ran away from the home. Officers set up a perimeter in the area and called a police K-9.

“The K-9 was able to bring the suspect into police custody,” Evans said. “The suspect was taken to MTMC for treatment of dog bites.”

Detective Tommy Roberts, who investigates domestic violence cases, learned Thomas is prohibited from contacting residents of the Atlas Street home from bond conditions and an order of protection, Evans said.

A hearing is pending on Thomas on the criminal charges in General Sessions Court.