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WeHo Man Accused In Carjacking, Police K9 Beating Near Burning Man Festival

RENO, Nev. (CBSLA/AP) — A West Hollywood man has been arrested in a suspected armed carjacking near the Burning Man festival.

A woman leaving the annual counterculture festival told authorities she was just outside the Burning Man entrance Tuesday when she stopped to assist a man identified as Tiago Gomez, 32, who was standing by the side of the road, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office said.

According to investigators, Gomez threatened the victim, along with a man who tried to help her, with a knife and stole her car.

Burning Man arrest
Tiago Gomez was arrested Tuesday. (Photo via Washoe Co. Sheriff's Office)

He was arrested after a struggle with deputies and a police dog Tuesday outside a restaurant in Gerlach about 90 miles north of Reno.

Gomez allegedly kicked and beat the police dog before deputies arrested him. He was being held without bail in the Washoe County jail Wednesday on suspicion of mistreating a police animal and resisting a public officer.

More charges are possible in neighboring Pershing County, where the sheriff is investigating the carjacking.

It's not clear if Gomez has a lawyer.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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