K-9 leads police to fleeing suspect

Laz with the stolen car. – Oceana County Sheriff’s Office photo

K-9 leads police to fleeing suspect

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor

HESPERIA — Oceana County Sheriff’s K-9 Lazarus took a bite out of crime when he tracked down a suspect who fled on foot after ditching a stolen car Monday, Feb. 13, around 3 a.m.

The suspect, who is a 34-year-old Walkerville man, reportedly fled from an Oceana County sheriff’s deputy in a stolen 2006 Toyota RAV4 and then ran away on foot.

Laz

Laz tracked the suspect through several yards and up to the front door of a residence where he was captured. A search warrant was obtained, and the suspect was arrested. 

“The pursuit began on M 20, and then proceeded on the village streets of Hesperia,” said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. The suspect was found inside a house located in the 100 block of Winter Street.

He was arrested on multiple charges including fleeing and eluding, possession of a stolen vehicle and driving while license suspended, said Mast. A 31-year-old Hesperia man found at the house was arrested on an outstanding warrant from the Lansing tether unit, said Mast. There were seven individuals with felony records at the house, he said. “It is a very well known residence to us.”

The Toyota was reported stolen from Kentwood, said Mast.

Both suspects were lodged in the Oceana County Jail.

“Whenever there is a successful dog track, we’re really happy with that result,” said the sheriff. “The guys put a lot of work into obtaining the search warrant and proceeding with this investigation in the right manner to facilitate these arrests. We’re very pleased with the outcome.”

No one was injured in the incident.

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