Canine units draw out accused batterer

SANTA PAULA — Police responded to a call for help from a female on West Telegraph Road at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, and discovered a female showing signs of a physical assault.

Upon questioning, the victim named her boyfriend, Jose Villalvazo, 29, as the perpetrator of physical violence upon her, accompanied by threats with a firearm.

Police searched the neighborhood, and discovered Villalvazo hiding in an alleyway nearby. When contacted by officers, Vellalvazo fled on foot, hiding inside of a boat parked in a residential driveway. He was pursued on foot, and invited to step outside of the boat for questioning by the officers. When he refused their invitation, canine units were summoned.

Using skills known only to German shepherds, the police dogs managed to convince Villalvazo that it would be better to follow them out of the boat and onto the ground for handcuffing.

Villalvazo was booked on charges of domestic battery, making criminal threats, and resisting a peace officer.