Manteca Police canine “Murphy” took a bite out of crime following the burglary of the United Lutheran Church in the 600 block of Northgate Drive Sunday when Officer Bob Anderson spotted the suspect on foot shortly after 5 p.m. near Louise Avenue and North Main Street.
Anderson said when the man refused his orders and took off running he sent his dog to take the suspect to the ground. The suspect suffered dog bites. He was cuffed and taken into custody before being transported to San Joaquin County Jail in French Camp.
Police Lt. Tony Souza said that Henry Lecour, 31, of Manteca, was caught on surveillance video earlier in the day when he allegedly broke into the church by smashing the glass door, possibly using a hammer and taking numerous church items as well as food.
Anderson said he recognized Lecour when he found him on the street because he was still wearing the same clothing he had seen on the security video footage. The suspect allegedly began to reach into a bag that he was carrying, attempting to access something — the hammer or some other weapon. The officer had shouted to Lecour to show his hands or he would send the dog.  Lecour reportedly refused and then took off running but he could not outrun “Murphy.”
The suspect was taken to Doctors Hospital of Manteca where he was treated for minor dog bites and scratches before booked in county jail.  He is being held in lieu of $53,000 bail, charged with burglary and resisting arrest.  He is scheduled to appear in the Manteca Branch of the San Joaquin County Superior Court today at 1:25 p.m.