Man Sics Dog on Police; "Shocked" By Police Response

On July 7 at approximately 1 a.m., Charles County Sheriff's officers responded to a residence in the 2500 block of Lisa Drive in Waldorf for the report of a dispute. Upon officers' arrival, Christopher Michael Donaldson, 29, of Waldorf, who was involved in the dispute, threatened to release his dog to attack the three officers. The officers continued their efforts to settle the dispute and, once the dispute had been settled, the officers began to leave. When the officers exited the residence, Donaldson released his dog outside and the dog began barking and advanced toward the officers, however, the dog did not attack the officers. Donaldson then exited the residence and advanced aggressively toward the officers. The officers repeatedly ordered Donaldson to stop, but Donaldson continued to advance. One of the officers then displayed a Taser and again ordered Donaldson to stop. When Donaldson refused to comply, the officer deployed the Taser, subduing Donaldson. Donaldson was arrested and charged with three counts of assault for releasing his dog to attack the three officers. He was also charged with failure to obey a lawful order and disorderly conduct. He is being held at the Charles County Detention Center pending an appearance before the District Court Commissioner. Officer D. Chandler investigated.