Image Credit: RCMP Supplied
Car Theft

Police dog makes short work of suspected car thief

Sep 4, 2022 | 10:49 PM

KAMLOOPS – A 39-year-old Kamloops man has learned how difficult it is to evade a police dog team.

The man was suspected of stealing a vehicle from the 1100 block of Surrey Avenue early Saturday (Sept 3) morning. Police managed to track the vehicle to a location under the Halston Connector Bridge and Kootenay Way.

That’s when the suspect left the vehicle behind and tried to make a run for it.

Police set up a containment of the area and called for Mako, a police dog, and his handler.

“Following a short track, Mako located the suspect hiding in an area of brush,” said RCMP Staff Sergeant Janelle Shoihet. “He was taken into custody after a brief struggle with the dog.”

The suspect was taken to hospital to be assessed and was later released. He is scheduled to appear in court later for possible charges.

“I know no one likes getting called out of bed before 6 a.m. but for a police dog to catch his guy before breakfast will trump the early morning call every time,” said Staff Sergeant Shoihet.