MELBOURNE, Fla. – A Florida man who attempted to avoid police by hiding in a pile of clothes and trash failed when a K-9 sniffed out the suspect, authorities said.
David F. Hallaman, 31, of Mims, was arrested on Oct. 4 and charged with false imprisonment, kidnapping, criminal mischief, battery and felony battery by strangulation, according to an online probable cause affidavit submitted by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said that Hallaman attempted to hide in a laundry room at the victim’s home in Mims when deputies arrived, but a K-9 deputy deployed his dog, Gator, to find him, WFLA-TV reported.
“We will send a dog in to take a bite out of crime and that’s what Cpl. Lance Behringer did when he unleashed K-9 Gator and showed Mr. Hallaman what happens when you play hide and seek with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office,” Ivey said in a statement. “Gator don’t play that and decided that one of Hallaman’s triceps would probably taste a little bit like chicken. After his little encounter with K-9 Gator, Mr. Tough Guy — you know, Mr. Hallaman — was crying like a little baby and quickly gave up.”
According to the probable cause affidavit, Hallaman and the victim had been in a relationship since July 1 but broke up a week before the alleged incident. The couple lived at the victim’s home.
On Oct. 3, Hallaman allegedly tried to get the victim’s car keys, the affidavit stated. When the woman attempted to run away from him, Hallaman allegedly chased her and “bum-rushed” her into some nearby bushes.
The affidavit stated that Hallaman struck the woman several times in her neck and chest area with what she described as “karate chop blows.”
The victim was taken back to the residence but attempted to flee again at 2 a.m. on Oct. 4, throwing her car keys into the grass nearby, according to the affidavit. Hallaman allegedly found the keys, got in the vehicle and found the victim hiding in bushes. Hallaman then allegedly dragged the woman back to the residence, and the victim said she suffered road rash from being subdued.
Deputies said that Hallaman took the victim to a bedroom and attempted to strangle her three times. The victim also reportedly suffered a torn eardrum from being struck in the head.
After several hours, the victim managed to escape again and called for help.
That is when deputies searched for Hallaman at the residence and sent the K-9 to find him.
Ivey said Hallaman was taken to the emergency room for stitches before he was booked into the Brevard County Jail, WTVT reported.
