the dog "nose" better

next time someone decides to run from the cops, keep the dog out of the car.

With man’s best friends like this ...

Dog, unhappy about rough car chase, bites off part of suspect-owner’s nose

By RYAN DIONNE

CEDAR CITY, UTAH - Nicholas T. Galanis' first mistake Monday was fleeing from Iron County Sheriff's deputies.

Galanis' second mistake was more painful.

As deputies drove towards Galanis with the intent of questioning him about stolen property, the 47-year-old Salt Lake City man quickly got in his car and fled with his dog in the vehicle.

The chase happened southbound on Gold Springs Road, a windy, bumpy dirt road about five miles northwest of Modena, at around 5:38 p.m. Monday, said Iron County Sheriff's Detective Jody Edwards.

"Deputies could see the dog in the passenger seat getting slammed into the window," he said.

But the dog, which is partly pit bull, wasn't going to take the abuse.

"The dog became so agitated that he bit his owner in the face," Edwards said. "And this is what ended the chase."

The bite, which removed part of Galanis' nose, caused the man to quickly pull over to the side of the road allowing deputies to apprehend him.

Galanis was taken to Valley View Medical Center before being booked into Iron County Jail, while his dog was transported to the Enoch Animal Shelter.

Galanis was charged with supplying false information to police, receiving/possession of stolen property and theft.