Dog bites police officer during Christmas Day arrest

A West Plains Police Department officer sustained minor injuries from a dog bite during a traffic stop on Christmas Day. According to court documents, Officer Jacob Brixey initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle at 4:25 p.m. on Dec. 25. Officer Brixey observed the driver to be Bobby Flygare, 36, of West Plains, who the officer knew from previous law enforcement interactions to have a revoked driver's license.

The vehicle pulled into the driveway of Flygare's residence in the 1200 block of Washington Ave., and Officer Brixey initiated a traffic stop. 

As the officer questioned him, Flygare admitted that he had rifles in the vehicle. 

"I knew that Flygare had previously been found guilty of felony charges and was not supposed to possess firearms," reads Officer Brixey's probable cause statement. The officer requested additional law enforcement to back him up at residence. 

At this point, Officer Brixey says Flygare began arguing and attempting to go inside his residence, stating, "My dog is going to bite you."

A blue heeler came out of the house and bit Officer Brixey on the calf. He sustained puncture wounds on both sides of the leg that bled slowly. 

The officer detained Flygare as Sergeant Colter Reid and Officer Brandon Stephens arrived on scene. A search of the suspect's vehicle revealed two rifles, both with rounds in the chambers and magazines inserted. 

Court documents note Flygare has six convictions for driving while intoxicated spanning from 2004 to 2012.

The accused was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, resisting arrest for a felony, and third degree assault of a special victim. 

Flygare posted his $25,000 bond on Dec. 28. He was formally arraigned on Jan. 3 and pled not guilty. The matter is set for a status hearing on Jan 11 before the Honorable R. David Ray.