ARVADA — Rolo, a German shepherd whose life depends on the outcome of a trial that started Monday, was loose last summer when he charged and bit an Arvada woman, the alleged victim testified.
Rolo and another dog “were charging full speed at me; terrified, I was screaming,” Kathy Hardin told a six-member jury in Arvada Municipal Court.
Hardin said she picked up her 14-month-old son during a walk near their Olde Town Arvada home. She said she turned from the charging dogs to protect her son and Rolo bit her.
“I absorbed the bite (from Rolo) into my behind,” Hardin said.
Rolo bit her twice, she testified, leaving puncture wounds she identified in photographs and has caused her to have physical therapy for the past nine months.
The owner of the 5-year-old dog, Laura Hagan, has been charged with allowing Rolo to run at large and owning a dangerous dog.
Hagan is fighting a court order to have him euthanized. If the six- member jury decides Hagan is guilty, Municipal Court Judge Mike Graber will decide the sentence.
Lead prosecutor Rob Ramirez said in an opening statement that Rolo bit Hardin “without provocation. The case is that simple.”
Hagan’s attorney, Joe Lazarra, asked Hardin if she realized screaming could have provoked the dog. Hardin replied that two large dogs were charging her and he couldn’t expect her to freeze.
Hardin said Hagan took the dogs away and returned as emergency medical technicians, Arvada firefighters and police gathered at the scene.
The prosecution rested its case Monday. The defense plans to call a professional dog trainer and emergency responders.
Hardin maintains the attack ripped her dress and underwear and teeth marks can be “clearly” seen in photos.
Hagan contends Rolo had never bitten anyone before, and lunged at Hardin because she was screaming.
The trial is expected to conclude today.
Rallies have been held in support of Rolo, including one prior to Monday’s trial. Several dozen police officers were on hand for crowd control.
A number of people carried signs outside City Hall. One read: “She Did Not Get Bit, U Must Acquit.”
Ann Schrader: 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com
