June 2018 Catch

DEVIN MALONEY

K-9 JAX

KETTERING POLICE DEPARTMENT (OHIO)

At 0420 hrs on 11 June, 2018, Ptl. Devin Maloney and K9 Jax were dispatched to assist Beavercreek Police Department with searching for a possible burglary suspect. Officers from BPD had encountered a white male subject who promptly ran, dropping several items that appeared stolen, including a handgun.

Ptl. Maloney arrived on scene at deployed K9 Jax while a perimeter was being set up. K9 Jax picked up a scent and followed it for several hundred yards, weaving through a nearby neighborhood before losing the trail. Ptl. Maloney and K9 Jax continued to search for some time in an attempt to reacquire a track, but to no avail.

As they were about to clear the scene, an Ohio State Highway Patrol Officer observed the male suspect behind Ankeney Middle School and he again fled on foot when approached. Ptl. Maloney responded to this location, which was nearby and deployed K9 Jax. Once again, K9 Jax quickly picked up the scent and began tracking. The track led through a wooded area and then over a chain link fence that led to I-675. K9 Jax tracked several hundred yards along the edge of I-675, then crossed I-675 to the other side and continued along the interstate on that side of the road. After several hundred more yards, K9 Jax entered the woods to head west. As soon as K9 Jax entered the woods, he encountered the suspect, bit him on the thigh and held him until he was able to be secured by officers.

After more than an hour of searching, the suspect was taken into custody for Felony Theft, Felony RSP, Obstruction and Resisting Arrest. Further investigation is ongoing to determine if the charge of Burglary is also appropriate. The tenaciousness of both Ptl. Maloney and K9 Jax should be commended. Their unrelenting effort led to the apprehension of a subject wanted for serious crimes and with a lengthy criminal history.

Respectfully submitted,

Sgt. Bradley M. Lambert

Kettering Police K9 Unit Supervisor