From Newport Police:

On July 27, 2016, at 11:40 p.m., Newport Police Officers made contact with Robert Garland Harstock, age 24 of Newport, outside the Bier One Pub in the 400 block of SW Coast Highway. Hartsock had been acting aggressively towards other patrons inside the business, and had with him a very aggressive pit-bull dog. Hartsock and the dog were sitting outside the business, but still on the property and inside the entryway. At the request of the business owner, Officers asked Hartsock to move away from the premises.

Hartsock was verbally resistive, but complied with officers’ requests to move away from the business. Prior to Hartsock walking away from the pub, he began to incite his pit-bull into acting aggressively. As Hartsock began to leave, he provided slack to his dog’s leash, allowing the dog to bite at one of the Police Officers. Hartsock walked several yards away, secured his dog with another bystander, and walked aggressively back towards the Officers. Hartsock began making claims that Officers were targeting him because his dog was a pit-bull. Officers told Hartsock he was being asked to leave because the business owner had so requested.

Hartsock continued to approach Officers in a combative manner. He was asked several times to leave the area, but refused. Hartsock then told Officers he was going to turn his dog loose on Officers. Hartsock was told to not release the dog, and to leave the area. Hartsock grabbed the dog’s leash and returned to the Officers. One Officer aimed a Taser, and warned that the dog would be Tased if Hartsock used the dog as a weapon.

Hartsock continued to yell and argue with Officers, suddenly providing slack to the dog’s leash to allow the dog to lunge at an Officer. The dog’s mouth was open with teeth showing, and appeared to be to be acting as a trained attack dog. The Officer successfully deployed the Taser on the dog, which stopped the attack. The dog fled the area. As Officers attempted to place Hartsock into custody, he actively resisted. Officers were able to restrain Hartsock and place him into custody.

Hartsock was transported to the Lincoln County Jail, where he continued to be combative toward Officers and jail staff. Hartsock was lodged on the following charges: Attempted Assault 1; Assault on a Public Safety Officer; Resisting Arrest; Menacing. His bail was set at $165,000. Newport Police Officers interviewed witnesses, but were unable to locate the pit-bull. If anyone sees this medium-sized, brown pit-bull, not wearing a collar, do not approach it, as it is very aggressive. Call your local Police Department, or Lincoln County Animal Control through the non-emergency Dispatch line (541-265-4231).

The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856.