Prosecution Rests In Trial For Man Accused In K-9 Officer's Fatal Stabbing
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The man accused of stabbing a Pittsburgh Police dog to death took the stand in his own defense Thursday.
John Rush says police are lying, and says he was trying to protect himself from "Rocco" when he fatally stabbed him.
Rush contradicts police accounts that they shouted warnings, and that he never responded.
Testimony of defendant John Rush:
"I heard them say, 'Pittsburgh Police, sound off now or I'll send the dog.' I yelled, 'I'm John Rush. I'm down here. Don't send the dog!'"
Rush: "I saw the dog coming toward me pretty fast."
Defense attorney: "They say you jumped out Nd attacked the dog. Is that true?"
Rush: "No. I started reaching for my pocket knife. I turned sideways. I tried to swing at the dog and I missed him. I swung back and hit the dog and the dog gave a loud yell."
Defense attorney:
"Did you intend to kill the dog?"
Rush: "No. I just wanted to get the dog away from me."
"I saw the guns drawn so I threw the knife away. Next thing I know I was hit in the head with a flashlight. I was also kicked and punched."
" I didn't try to punch or stab anybody. I tried to get into a defensive posture. At one point they held both my arms out pulled up my shirt and tased me."
Rush: "I never had an altercation with (Sheriff's Deputy) Herb."
Prosecutor:" "So it's just a big coincidence that he identified you and you happened to be in Lawrenceville?"
Rush: "Yes."
Before today's testimony in the trial of John Rush began, defense attorney Aaron Sontz asked Judge Jill Rangos to remove a female juror from the panel because in his view, she cried during part of Wednesday's court session.
Sontz argued that her objectivity could be called into question. The judge pointed out that the juror shed tears while the defense played audio of a dispatch call, where the barking of the dog may have been heard. She denied the motion to remove the juror.
Also, Sontz asked the judge to make sure no witnesses refer to the police dog Rocco as "an officer." The judge granted that request.
The prosecution rested shortly before noon and the defense will begin their case this afternoon.
Rush told Judge Rangos he intends to testify in his own defense. His testimony is expected this afternoon.
On Wednesday, the surgeon who treated Rocco, who was stabbed as police tried to apprehend Rush, testified that the dog's condition got progressively worse.
Dr. Julie Compton of the Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center testified that the vets found liters of blood in the dog's abdomen, and that the dog's spine was featured by the knife.
She said a large amount of force was necessary to shred the spine. Rocco died two days later.
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