Police dog sniffs out suspect

Photo: Contributed

The Vernon RCMP dog unit sniffed out a bad guy who was trying to hide from police in a local park this week.

Police were conducting inquiries on the 4200 block of 20th Street on Tuesday in their search for a youth wanted on an outstanding warrant.

RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk said police were sure the suspect was in a residence, and while they were working on gaining entry to arrest the 17-year-old, he took off.

A police officer pursued the suspect on foot, who was seen going into a wooded area in Girouard Park.

Because the suspect had a history involving weapons, the dog unit was called to join the search.

“Several young families using the park at the time were asked to leave the area for safety concerns while our officers were attempting to apprehend the suspect,” said Molendyk.

Within minutes of arriving, the dog team made contact with the suspect.

“It turns out he was sitting and hiding within 20 feet of the officer who chased him,” said Molendyk.

The teen was arrested for two counts of pointing a firearm, breach of conditional supervision and uttering threats.

He was scheduled to appear in court today, but because he is a young offender, his name cannot be released.