USAFBILL
Alabama
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Joined: 09/20/2002
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A Montara man walking two lapdogs off leash was hit with an electric-shock gun by a National Park Service ranger after allegedly giving a false name and trying to walk away, authorities said Monday.
The park ranger encountered Gary Hesterberg with his two small dogs Sunday afternoon at Rancho Corral de Tierra, which was recently incorporated into the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, said Howard Levitt, a spokesman for the park service.
Hesterberg, who said he didn't have identification with him, allegedly gave the ranger a false name, Levitt said.
The ranger, who wasn't identified, asked Hesterberg to remain at the scene, Levitt said. He tried several times to leave, and finally the ranger "pursued him a little bit and she did deploy her" electric-shock weapon, Levitt said. "That did stop him."
San Mateo County sheriff's deputies and paramedics then arrived and Hesterberg gave his real name, the park spokesman said.
Hesterberg, whose age was not available, was arrested on suspicion of failing to obey a lawful order, having dogs off-leash and knowingly providing false information, Levitt said.
He was then released. He did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Witnesses said the use of a stun gun and the arrest seemed excessive for someone walking two small dogs off leash.
"It was really scary," said Michelle Babcock, who said she had seen the incident as she and her husband were walking their two border collies. "I just felt so bad for him."
Babcock said Hesterberg had repeatedly asked the ranger why he was being detained. She didn't answer him, Babcock said.
"He just tried to walk away. She never gave him a reason," Babcock said.
The ranger shot Hesterberg in the back with her shock weapon as he walked off, Babcock said.
"We were like in disbelief," she said. "It didn't make any sense."
Rancho Corral de Tierra has long been an off-leash walking spot for local dog owners. In December, the area became part of the national park system, which requires that all dogs be on a leash, Levitt said.
The ranger was trying to educate residents of the rule, Levitt said.
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fla-gypsy
North Florida
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Joined: 04/19/2005
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Well he sure want forget that lesson now will he
09 SuperDuty Crew Cab 6.8L/4.10(The Black Pearl)
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The Texan
Home: Idaho - Location: Texas
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Joined: 01/16/2004
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Quote:The ranger was trying to educate residents of the rule, Levitt said. I guess all those other law breaking folks walking their dogs off leash, got a good education...  ...IMO, the Ranger did her job when he refused to answer questions and tried to walk off. Good job lady.
Bob & Betsy(FishNFanatic) - USN Aviation Ret'd '78 & FL LEO Ret'd '03 & "Oath Keeper Forever"
'05 HR Endeavor 40PRQ, 400 Cummins W/ 540w/35A solar system -Pulling our '05 GMC Sierra LT, CC, Z-71, w/ 2010 Silver Rzr in back.
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IAMICHABOD
Sunny So Cal
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Joined: 12/12/2011
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10000 volt attatude ajustment way to go.GOOD JOB
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AprilWhine
in an Angola
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Joined: 08/29/2004
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Another vote for the ranger. The dog owner violated the law, refused to identify himself, and disobeyed a lawful order. If the ranger had ignored that it would be like saying some people do not have to obey the law.
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Merrykalia
Appalachian (apple at chun) Mountains in SW VA
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Joined: 04/18/2005
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I am an retired LEO and I think the man was lucky she had a TAZER!
She did exactly what she should have done. He should have obeyed her order to remain where he was. He refused to identify himself, so he got what he was asking for. He DID remain where he was supposed to, but not under his own power.
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NanciL
Bakersville, NC, USA
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Joined: 03/24/2003
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congrats to the Ranger
Jack L
Jack & Nanci
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lmsteck
Northern California
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Another vote for the ranger.
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Helimech
Chino Valley
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Maybe he'll remember his name next time.
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ScottG
Bothell Wa.
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Joined: 02/25/2005
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Another supporter of the Ranger here..
Personally, I've come very close to using bear spray on a dog. His owner let it run down the trail in front of them. Dog comes running up on us growling and snarling. I pulled the trigger lock, aimed and the dog finally stopped.
Why do people think they're the only one on the trail???
Scott, Grace and Wesly
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