A KNIFEMAN was tackled by a plucky police dog as he tried to flee.
Ryan Evans was seen brandishing the knife in Gales Drive, Crawley on December 10.
The thug was challenged by officers, then started to run.
But German-Sheperd-Malinois cross police dog PD Polly tracked down the 27-year-old scaffolder as he took off.
When he was caught, Evans was found with a six-inch kitchen knife.
Then while being taken to a police vehicle he tried to headbutt an officer and kicked the officer in the chest.
At Lewes Crown Court Evans admitted possession of an offensive weapon and assaulting an emergency worker.
He was jailed for eight months.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: “I do not accept that being assaulted is part of any police officer’s job, and any such behaviour will not be tolerated.”
The force said police were called in the early hours of the morning and PC Claire Harrison helped detain the suspect.
PD Polly is trained for searching open ground or in urban areas for suspects, and has joined searches for tracking suspects, missing people and for finding discarded property.
The Chief Constable added: “I believe an assault on a police officer or member of my police staff is an exceptional action against the rule of law and has a wider impact on policing as a whole.
“Violent attacks on our officers and staff can result in long-term injuries and sickness, directly reducing the amount of viable policing which consequently puts greater pressure on colleagues, increasing the risk of crime within communities.
“As Chief Constable, I am committed to providing my officers, staff and the communities of Sussex with the level of protection and safety that they deserve. Such behaviour and assaults on police officers and staff has a direct impact on my ability to do this.
“Every day across Sussex, officers and staff put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public.
“They do this willingly, knowing the risks involved, because they are brave and dedicated public servants.”
Evans, of Lark Rise, Crawley, is now behind bars after his hearing on January 7.
You can keep up to date with crime and court reports by joining our Facebook group: Sussex crime and court watch
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