GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The man who allegedly stabbed a police dog says he is competent to stand trial – but after a psychiatrist testified Thursday he is not – additional mental health treatment was ordered.
Sai Vang, 31, faces three charges, including causing injury to a police animal for the April 7, 2019, incident involving Pyro, a Green Bay Police K9 officer. He has pleaded not guilty.
The issue of competency refers to Vang’s ability to understand the court proceedings and assist in his own defense.
Dr. Michelle Hume said Vang suffers from schizophrenia, and is not competent to stand trial. However, with additional treatment he is likely to regain competency, she said.
However, when Vang was asked Thursday, he said he believes he is competent.
Judge Timothy Hinkfuss ordered additional mental health treatment. Another psychiatric review will be performed before a hearing Feb. 9.
Vang was previously ruled incompetent to stand trial but regained competency. However, after additional time in jail awaiting trial – when he did not take medication – the competency issue was raised again.
Police were called to a west-side home on because Vang was threatening to kill his father. Vang refused to surrender, so police released Pyro to engage Vang. The dog bit Vang, Vang pulled a knife out of his waistband, and stabbed Pyro. An officer then used a taser on Vang, and he was taken into custody, according to the complaint.
During questioning, Vang repeatedly apologized for stabbing Pyro but said “he stabbed the dog on instinct, because he is scared of dogs,” the complaint states.
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