From Judy Gilleland - City Manager
Officer Tim Meehan was awarded Apprehension of the Month by the United States Police Canine Association, Region 5. Officer Meehan and canine partner “Viper” were dispatched to pursue a felony subject who had fled from a vehicle in front of 3131 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd. on August 22, 2011 at 2:00 A.M. Officers stopped the vehicle for an armed robbery that occurred at a Gas America convenience store, where a shotgun and handgun were displayed during the robbery. The subject, who was later identified as Angelo Jones, fled from the vehicle. Officers attempted to pursue him, however, they lost sight of him due to the darkness and the fact that the subject fled into a densely wooded area.
On arrival Officer Meehan deployed Viper on an area search. Viper began searching the thick vegetation of the wooded area and indicated the presence of human odor.
Upon picking up the scent, Viper began pursuit of the suspect and as Officer Meehan caught up with Viper, he saw that the suspect had been apprehended by Viper who was biting and holding on to the suspect’s right calf. After the suspect ceased getaway efforts, Officer Meehan called off Viper and the suspect was placed in custody.
Upon picking up the scent, Viper began pursuit of the suspect and as Officer Meehan caught up with Viper, he saw that the suspect had been apprehended by Viper who was biting and holding on to the suspect’s right calf. After the suspect ceased get away efforts, Officer Meehan called off Viper and the suspect was placed in custody.
Officers retraced the area where they had initially spotted the vehicle and located a 12-gauge shotgun, a .380 pistol and money from the robbery inside the vehicle.
This situation perfectly demonstrated the advantages of a canine team working together: keeping fellow officers from getting injured while apprehending a felony subject. Good job and congratulations Tim and Viper!