Police: Man Ordered Dog

To Attack State Troopers

Girlfriend Disputes Allegations About Pet

LAURENS – State police reported Thursday that they had arrested a Laurens man, George B. Odbert III, 32,  who troopers said ordered his dog to attack officers while they were investigating a “physical dispute.”

When they arrived at the County Route 12 home to investigate last Sunday evening, the alleged victim declined to press charges.  During the investigation, however, Odbert “became disorderly and refused to comply with any verbal commands,” according to the press release.

“A trooper attempted to escort Odbert away from the victim when Odbert slammed a door on the trooper,” the release continues. “The trooper attempted to restrain Odbert and he physically resisted and told his large dog to attack troopers.  He was pepper-sprayed by a trooper and ultimately arrested.”

In a call to www.AllOTSEGO.com editors this morning, Samantha Gray, who identified herself as Odbert’s girlfriend, disputed part of the account.  She said the dog was a Labrador – not a pitbull, as identified in some reports – and that the loyal pet, excited by the tumult, went to the defense of his master without any direction from Odbert.

Odbert was arraigned in Hartwick Town Court on charges of Menacing, third degree; Resisting Arrest and Obstructing Governmental Administration.  He was remanded to the Otsego County Jail.