Deputies: K-9 tracks multiple suspects in 3 crimes in 3 days

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — The Pierce County Sheriff's Department said K-9 Zepp tracked multiple suspects in various crimes in three consecutive days.

On Monday, authorities said Zepp and his handler were called to a hit-and-run crash at 116th Street South and Pacific Avenue in Parkland, where a driver involved in the collision fled the scene on foot.

That driver was reported as driving recklessly, a possible DUI, before running a stop sign at a high rate of speed and colliding with another car, officials said. The man also left his passenger, who was seriously injured.

Deputies said Zepp tracked the man south to 118th Street, where the K-9 found the suspect in "thick" vegetation and shrubs.

The 32-year-old man was booked into jail for vehicular assault, failure to remain at a collision, obstructing law enforcement and driving with a suspended license.

On Tuesday , Deputies said Zepp was able to break through a barricaded doorway at a Spanaway home where a burglary was happening.

After a 911 call from a person who reported seeing people on surveillance video entering the vacant home at 15th Avenue East, Zepp and his handler arrived to find a gate ripped off its hinges, a screen removed and large dents on a door, officials said.

Officials said when deputies heard footsteps inside, they tried to kick in the door, but it was barricaded.

After additional attempts, deputies were able to enter and found three teens inside.

Two 14-year-old boys and a 17-year-old were arrested for residential burglary, deputies said. Bolt cutters and several burglary tools were at the home.

Then on Wednesday at about 1:42 a.m., deputies responded to a report of a domestic violence assault at an encampment along Houston Road East near the Puyallup River.

Because the area was heavily wooded, Zepp and his handler were called again, authorities said. The victim was found in a tent, and deputies found out she had been assaulted by her ex-boyfriend, whom she had a no-contact order against.

The suspect had fled the scene.

After a 45-minute search, Zepp and deputies found the 29-year-old man hiding in another tent.

The man, who had two felony warrants, was arrested for assault in violation of a no-contact order, warrants for possession of a stolen vehicle, first-degree of trafficking stolen property and escape, authorities said.

Cox Media Group