WORTHINGTON — A Worthington police officer and K-9 apprehended a Worthington man last week on felony warrants.
According to the criminal complaint, an officer recognized Jose A. Argueta-Gusman, 21, driving on Jan. 15 in Worthington. Aware of felony warrants, the officer turned on his squad's emergency lights.
Argueta-Gusman reportedly slowed and pulled to the right side of the road but didn't stop, and he continued to drive on Sixth Avenue. He would reportedly periodically appear that he was going to stop several times but didn't. Argueta-Gusman eventually stopped the vehicle and ran, the complaint states.
A K-9 deployed to help apprehend Argueta-Gusman reportedly knocked him to the ground. Upon allegedly attempting to run again, the K-9 bit Argueta-Gusman's arm between the shoulder and elbow. He allegedly continued to resist, and a passerby assisted in getting Argueta-Gusman onto his stomach. Another officer arrived on scene, and Argueta-Gusman was arrested.
Paperwork discovered in the vehicle indicated that the vehicle belonged to another individual. The vehicle's owner was contacted and said Argueta-Gusman did not have permission to drive the vehicle. Paperwork confirming the vehicle had been stolen was filed.
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Jail staff allegedly discovered a hypodermic needle cap with a cotton swab inside that tested positive for methamphetamine. Argueta-Gusman reportedly provided a urine sample that tested positive for meth and THC.
Argueta-Gusman faces seven criminal charges related to the incident: motor vehicle theft, fifth-degree drug possession and fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, all felony offenses; obstruct legal process and introduce contraband into jail, gross misdemeanors; and DWI and fleeing a peace officer by other means than a motor vehicle, misdemeanors. He faces a maximum punishment of five years imprisonment, a $10,000 fine or both.
His conditional bail was scheduled at $25,000; his unconditional at $50,000.
