Dog Was Inside Car During High-Speed Pursuit
THURSDAY, OCT. 1, 2015 – Riverside County Animal Services has been caring for a puppy that came to the main shelter after a traumatic night. The dog, a 6-month-old, male husky, was inside a sport utility vehicle that was driven by a man suspected of shooting a California Highway Patrol officer and evaded officers during a high-speed pursuit.
It was during the early-morning hours on Sept. 11 when CHP officers pulled over a man who had been spotted driving erratically. During the stop in West Covina, the man exited the SUV and fired at the CHP officers, hitting and wounding Officer Felix Serpas. A high-speed pursuit ended near Arrow Boulevard and Citrus Avenue in Fontana, more than 30 miles away from the original stop.
Fontana Animal Services officers were eventually called out to impound the dog – and that’s how the dog ended up at the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley.
The dog, nicknamed “Chip” in honor of the CHP, is now officially available for adoption. Riverside County Animal Services’ normal adoption fee is $105, but the husky puppy is going to be offered for just $1.However, prospective adopters are being asked to make a minimum donation of $104 donation to the 11-99 Foundation, the nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the welfare of CHP officers and officers’ families.
Prospective adopters can view Chip in the shelter’s main lobby area. Short essays from would-be adopters are welcomed. They can be hand delivered or e-mailed to [email protected]. The short essays (500 words or less) will be accepted through the weekend. A decision on Chip’s adoption will be made on Monday, Oct. 5.
Officer Serpas survived the gunshot blast fired upon him. He was treated for his injuries and is continuing his recovery. The suspect, John Alfred Garcia, 30, remains in custody. Garcia is being charged with attempted murder on a peace officer and, if convicted, faces a possible prison term of 40 years to life.
Riverside County Animal Services’ employees came up with the idea to help Officer Serpas and the CHP in concert with its counterparts with the Fontana Animal Services division.
“We believed that this puppy offered us a unique opportunity to do something for a fallen officer,” Animal Services Director Robert Miller said. “This incident was a horrible act against a peace officer. We hope this small gesture on our part – and the prospective adopters’ part – helps raise awareness about the dangers all officers face.”
Chip is a typical husky: lots of energy. Prospective adopters cannot live in an apartment and should have a large, secure property and plenty of time to share with Chip. An active lifestyle is a plus. (NOTE: Huskies LOVE to run and escape, so keep that in mind; behavior classes are always recommended.)
To learn more about the 11-99 Foundation: https://chp11-99.org/
