Wisconsin man accused of shooting Rockford K-9 refuses to appear before judge

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A Madison sex offender accused of both the attempted murder of a Rockford Police officer and shooting and wounding a K-9 on Saturday, refused to appear in court on Monday.

According to Winnebago County Court records, Vernon Frills, 38, was due to make his first court appearance at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Heidi Agustsson.

However, records show Frills refused to appear.

Frills now has a new court date: April 23rd.

Around 3:50 p.m., on Saturday, April 19th, officers pulled Frills over in the 1300 block of East State Street, near the Circle K gas station. He fled on foot after being pulled over, police reported.

Authorities said Frills shot the K9 soon after, injuring the dog’s paw and shoulder. The K9 was taken to an emergency veterinarian and is expected to make a full recovery after surgery.

Frills faces charges of Attempted Murder of a Police Officer, Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon, Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm at a Police Officer, Armed Violence, Possession of a Controlled Substance (MDMA), Injuring a Police K-9, Obstructing Justice, and an outstanding warrant from Wisconsin.

Wisconsin court records show Frills is a convicted sex offender for repeated acts of sexual assault against the same child, stemming from a 2010 case in Dane County.