Prosecutor Jeffrey C. Marks has requested the dismissal of charges against Jadarrius Rose, a Black truck driver who was bitten by a police dog while surrendering along a highway in Circleville, Ohio. Marks argued that there is insufficient evidence to prove that Rose’s operation of his truck posed a substantial risk of serious physical harm to people or property. The incident, which occurred on July 4, was captured on police body cameras, showing Officer Ryan Speakman allowing the dog to maul Rose despite state troopers’ orders to restrain the animal. Rose, 23, required hospital treatment following the attack.
In a motion filed with Judge Michael Ater, Marks stated that after reviewing the footage and police reports, he believes it was a mistake to charge Rose with fleeing after committing a felony. Marks emphasized that there appears to be no evidence that Rose was fleeing immediately after the commission of a felony. He requested the judge to dismiss the case while the Chillicothe Law Director’s Office reviews the investigation results to determine if misdemeanor charges are applicable. Marks also suggested that prosecutors should be allowed to restart the case if warranted.
The police report stated that the chase began when Rose’s truck appeared to be missing a mudflap and he did not stop for an inspection. Police alleged that Rose initially refused to exit the truck and later defied instructions to get on the ground. During the attack, a trooper can be heard yelling for the dog to be removed from Rose. Audio recordings indicate that Rose told a 911 dispatcher that he felt the officers pursuing him were “trying to kill” him and that he did not feel safe pulling over. The dispatcher advised Rose to comply with the police and assured him that the officers were not trying to harm him.
Officer Ryan Speakman was placed on leave and subsequently fired from the Circleville force after the agency determined that he did not meet their standards and expectations. The Ohio Patrolman’s Benevolent Association, Speakman’s union, filed a grievance arguing that he was terminated without sufficient grounds.
The request for dismissal of charges against Jadarrius Rose remains pending before Judge Ater.
