Walnut Creek Man Arrested for Assault With Deadly Weapon and Harming Police Dog

On July 16 at 10:03 pm, the Walnut Creek Police Department (WCPD) responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian hit and run collision on the 200 block of Wooten Drive in which the pedestrian sustained minor injury.

A witness to the hit and run attempted to confront the suspect but was nearly run over by the suspect vehicle and also sustained minor injury. A short time later, a WCPD officer located the suspect vehicle on Parkside Drive just west of Hillside Ave. The suspect vehicle collided head-on with the patrol officer’s SUV causing significant damage to both vehicles.

According to Sergeant Andy Brown the suspect, later identified as Rolando Gonzalez, 33 of Walnut Creek, exited his vehicle and tried to hide in some nearby bushes. Several other officers responded and Gonzalez actively resisted officers’ attempts to take him into custody. Police tasers and a bean-bag shot gun were deployed in an effort to get Gonzalez to comply. A Police K-9 was also deployed and was stabbed several times by the Gonzalez with an unknown object.

Sgt. Brown said officers were able to take the suspect into custody for multiple felony charges: Felony Hit and Run / 20001 VC, Assault with a Deadly Weapon / 245 PC, Harming a Police Dog / 600 PC, Driving Under the Influence – Felony / 23153 VC, Resisting Arrest / 148 PC

Gonzalez was transported to the hospital for injuries.

The WCPD officer involved in the collision sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries and was also transported to the hospital. The WCPD K-9 was transported to the veterinarian to receive emergency medical care and is expected to fully recover.

WCPD requests anyone who may have witnessed any part of the above incidents to contact Detective Gabe Mauro at 925-943-5844.