Photo: File photo of K-9 Duke | Redding PD
Originally Published By: Redding Police Department Facebook Page
“On December 30th, 2022, at approximately 3:38 PM, Redding Police officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of Harpole Road to investigate a possible residential burglary in progress. Officers contacted the homeowner and learned he was watching live video surveillance at the vacant home, and witnessed an unknown subject force his way inside the secured front door. Officers responded and surrounded the residence.
Upon arrival, officers found the front door damaged and unsecured. At the entry way of the residence, officers encountered the suspect, later identified as Troy Fritchman, 28 years of Redding. Fritchman did not comply with commands to exit, and immediately retreated further into the residence.
File photo of Troy Fritchman| Redding PD
Officers requested additional resources, including police K9 Duke, to assist with a search of the residence. After receiving no response to their announcements, officers and the K9 searched for Fritchman, who was found to be hiding inside the attic crawl space.
Officers communicated with Fritchman through the attic access. During this time, officers were able to identify Fritchman, who was found to be on probation for charges related to vehicle theft. Fritchman was also wanted on more recent felony charges of domestic violence, child abuse, criminal threats, and a misdemeanor charge of brandishing a weapon. Fritchman told officers he was armed with both a firearm and a knife, and indicated he would not exit the attic.
Officers deployed chemical irritant into the crawl space in an attempt to get Fritchman to exit. The irritant had the desired effect, causing Fritchman to climb down. Officers attempted to detain Fritchman, who immediately became violent and attempted to bite one of the officers. K9 Duke assisted in apprehending Fritchman.
Fritchman was treated at a local hospital for injuries sustained during the apprehension. Fritchman was later booked into Shasta County Jail for charges related to Trespass, Vandalism, and Resisting Arrest, as well as his previous outstanding charges of Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Criminal Threats, and Brandishing.”
