Man Charged With Kicking Police Dog During Chase

An Eau Claire man faces charges of obstructing officers, striking a police animal, felony bail jumping and illegal dumping.  Police say Jared Erickson kicked a police dog while riding a bicycle as he tried to escape in the downtown area Wednesday night.  An officer says he spotted Erickson and knew an arrest warrant had been issued in his name that day.  When the officer approached, Erickson rode off on his bike with the officer giving chase.  Shortly after he kicked the police dog, another officer forcibly removed him from his bike and took Erickson into custody.  He was already wanted for car theft and drug possession in a case from March.