The Clay County Sheriff’s Office arrested a most wanted suspect Tuesday on multiple charges after he allegedly assaulted multiple officers and a police K9, according to court documents.
Justin Jennings Ervin, 30, also known as “Swerv,” faces three counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, battery on a police canine and animal cruelty. He also is being charged with two counts of sale and distribution of methamphetamine, according to his online jail records.
The incident occurred Tuesday in the 5000 block of Pinon Road after police received an anonymous tip that Ervin, a wanted drug dealer, was in the area and that he would commit suicide by cop, according to his arrest report.
Members of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and K9 Unit responded to the residence and surrounded it.
An unknown female exited the home and left the front door partially open. Moments later, the front door shut. Police made several announcements via an intercom.
Ervin later came to the front door with a small unidentified object in his left hand and refused to exit the home and closed the door again, the arrest report said.
He later exited the home and screamed profanities at the officers on scene. When deputies attempted to take him into custody, he allegedly resisted and struck two officers numerous times with his fists and elbows as he was attempting to escape capture.
The suspect allegedly reached for one of the deputy’s gun belt, which prompted the deputy punch the suspect in the face and peroneal area.
Ervin allegedly tried to stand up and a police dog was deployed to subdue him, but the suspect allegedly tried to body slam the dog into the ground.
Another deputy intervened to help with the suspect’s apprehension, but Ervin allegedly bit that deputy on the right hand.
He was handcuffed shortly after this, according to the arrest report.
He is being held on a $280,023 bond, jail records show.
