Suspected Truck Thief Throws Punches At OKC Police K9

It was a case of déjà vu early Sunday morning for Oklahoma City police K9 officer Ryan Stark. His former K9 partner ‘Kye' was stabbed to death last August by a fleeing suspect. 

8/28/2015 Related Story: OKC Police K-9 Killed In Line Of Duty Laid To Rest

Sergeant Ryan Stark's new K9 partner's name is ‘Kayne.'

Early Sunday the duo found themselves chasing after suspected truck thief 34-year-old John Emberson on the 1700 block of S.E. 36th Street. After Emberson ditched the truck and tried to run away, Kayne caught up to the suspect, and engaged Emberson in a fight. 

For a short time, Major Wade Ghourley said Emberson had the upper hand on Kayne, but when Stark got to the scene, Emberson had had enough, and surrendered. “He didn't back away from the challenge, and when the suspect became aggressive with him, Kayne kind of changed up what he was doing, and wherever he was being struck, he tried to get him to stop,” Ghourley said. 

4/7/2015 Related Story: Suspected Vehicle Thief Fights With OKC Police K9 Dog

Court records showed Emberson was charged two months ago with dealing meth.