Vanderburgh County Deputies Arrest Man After Violent Domestic Assault and Attack on K9 Officer Dexter

William Burdette faces multiple charges after allegedly strangling a woman and attempting to gouge the eyes of a Vanderburgh County K9 officer.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 11:33 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from 14 News WFIE

Emergency Call for Help on Upper Mt. Vernon Road

Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 7000 block of Upper Mt. Vernon Road late Wednesday night following a harrowing plea for assistance. A local resident contacted authorities after an injured woman approached their home, visibly distressed and claiming a man was pursuing her. Upon arrival, deputies observed that the victim sustained a bloody nose, a split lip, and significant redness around her neck. The victim reported that she had been socializing with an acquaintance, later identified as William Burdette, when the situation turned violent.

Allegations of Sexual Battery and Strangulation

According to the probable cause affidavit, the victim informed investigators that Burdette began touching her inappropriately and attempted to forcibly remove her clothing. When she resisted, the suspect allegedly grabbed her by the throat. The victim stated the pressure was intense enough to make breathing difficult, a detail that led to a formal charge of strangulation. Following the assault, the woman managed to flee the immediate area to find a neighbor who could call for emergency services. Burdette subsequently retreated into a nearby pole barn and refused to comply with police commands to surrender.

K9 Deployment and Violent Resistance

After obtaining a search warrant for the structure, deputies deployed K9 Officer Dexter to assist in the apprehension of the barricaded suspect. Rather than surrendering, Burdette allegedly engaged in a violent struggle with the law enforcement animal. The affidavit describes Burdette grabbing the K9, attempting to twist the animal's ears, and gouging at its eyes in an effort to disable it. Despite the assault, K9 Dexter and the responding deputies were eventually able to secure the suspect. Following his arrest, Burdette was taken to a local hospital for evaluation before being transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail.