Rescue Pitbull Helped Restrain Alleged Burglar Until Cops Arrived

This 9-year-old pitbull, Spuds lives with his family in Altoona. It is about 2 hours from Williamsport, Pa.

The owner of this fiercely faithful dog, Leroy Rucker, says: "Spuds is a protector," his owner.

The rescue dog helped protect his family on March 24, when someone tried to break into their house.

Talking to WJAC, Rucker said: "I was just sitting in here watching TV with the dogs like I always do," Rucker said.

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The burglar came through the front door.

After arresting him, police later identified the intruder as 53-year-old Robert Burke Jr.

"He wasn't going to just walk in my house uninvited. I don't know you like that buddy. Spuds didn't like it either," Rucker said.

Rucker said Spuds joined his family in restraining Burke.

Blair County Prison

"He was coming to hang out with dad. That's all I can say. He sees me fighting, he wants to fight," Rucker said.

Rucker shared that Spuds helped contain the intruder for over 20 minutes before the cops finally arrived. 

"The guy (Burke) listened. I mean, he listened better when the dog was right there present, you know what I mean," said Rucker.

Blair County Prison

Spuds share a very unique bond with his community and even the local garbagemen,

"I'm a garbageman. I deal with dogs every day — five or six days a week — but Spuds is very protective of his family. He knows good and bad, and that's what dogs are supposed to do," Steven Rightenour said.

After his heroic attempt, the dog has turned from man's best friend to man's best protector.

Blair County Prison

"For them, it's protection. For me, it's love," Rucker said.

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According to online court documents, Burke is kept at Blair County Prison on charges of burglary, criminal trespass, simple assault, and harassment.

His next court date is scheduled for May 13 and has since posted his $50,000 bail.

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