Assault Suspect Who Attempted to Kill Police Dog Sentenced

A man who tried to choke a police dog after assaulting his wife entered a guilty plea in Baltimore County Circuit Court this week and was sentenced to probation.

Guillermo Whitaker, 33, appeared before Judge Robert Cahill on Monday and pleaded guilty to a felony charge of causing harm to a law-enforcement animal and one count of misdemeanor second-degree assault.

Cahill sentenced Whitaker to 13 years, all suspended, and credited him for 150 days already served in jail. Whitaker was placed on two years of supervised probation and was transferred from jail to a drug-treatment center.

Domestic Assault Allegations

The incident began July 23, 2025, when Whitaker threatened to kill his wife  and swung at her several times with brass knuckles fitted with a blade, police said.

The confrontation occurred in front of the couple’s two children, ages 10 and 2, near their apartment in the 6600 block of Wycombe Way.

According to charging documents, Whitaker’s wife told officers he had hit her earlier that day and was angry because she refused to give him money to buy K2, a synthetic form of marijuana.

Flight From Police and K-9 Encounter

Police said Whitaker walked away from an officer who attempted to approach him at a gas station near Loch Raven Boulevard and Taylor Avenue, leaving the two children behind.

Whitaker ran to a wooded area near the Loch Raven branch of the county public library, prompting officers to set up a perimeter, call in a police helicopter, and deploy a K-9 unit, according to charging documents.

Threats Against Police Dog

K-9 Officer “Flash” located Whitaker in the woods and bit him, prosecutors said. Whitaker then wrapped his hands around the dog’s neck and threatened to kill the animal, Assistant State’s Attorney Emily Abell told the court.

“The K-9 approached the defendant again, at which time the defendant placed both hands around the canine’s scruff and began yelling that he was going to kill the dog,” Abell said.

Police documents state Whitaker “advised he was going to kill the K-9 and choked the shit out of him.”

Whitaker was apprehended and taken into custody. Police indicated the dog was not seriously injured.

Defendant Apologizes in Court

Whitaker apologized to his wife and the police department during his sentencing.

“I met my wife when we were in ninth grade, and that’s my best friend,” he told the judge. “I didn’t realize I had a drug problem. I thought a person with a drug problem was like a bum on the streets, so I didn’t realize I was so far gone.”

Whitaker said he had been mixing K2 with opiates and “had a really bad trip.”

“I believe in my heart I can be sober and have a productive life,” he said. “I believe I can change.”