K9 NOBEL
Harrisonburg Police Department
Explosives Detection & Patrol Utility
German Shepherd
2009 "Case of The Year" Submissions
The following cases were submitted by Sergeant Rod Pollard of the Harrisonburg Police Department in consideration for the 2009 "Case Of The Year" Award. These are ordered by the case occurrence date. Some of the cases may have had names or addresses removed to protect identities for cases that have not been resolved through the court system. All suspects are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. These cases are from official reports submitted by the officer for cases that meet the criteria for the 2009 "Case Of The Year".
Locate Weapon
Handler: Sergeant Pollard
K9: K9 Nobel (Patrol/Explosives)
Agency: Harrisonburg Police Department
Date: 04-30-2009
I was requested by a local County Sheriff's Office to assist with the location of a discarded firearm that was used in a domestic dispute. The suspect in the incident was involved in a domestic and fired several rounds into the neighborhood striking the surrounding streets and a residence.
I was advised that the suspect had admitted to placing the weapon in a box and discarding it alongside a public road. However, the Sheriff's Office had scoured the entire area for hours and was unable to locate the weapon.
I arrived on location and deployed K9 Nobel on an explosive odor detection search. K9 Nobel searched both sides of the road and then began to bracket and show interest in a specific area. The deputies that were watching, immediately stated that nothing was in that area, that they had already searched it. I allowed K9 Nobel to continue searching, until he indicated and then alerted to a pile of leaves and trash. I hand-searched the pile, and located the discarded firearm under approximately 6-8" of debris. The location of the firearm allowed for the suspect to be charged in connection of multiple crimes.
Shots Fired
Handler: Sergeant Pollard
K9: K9 Nobel (Patrol/Explosives)
Agency: Harrisonburg Police Department
Date: 06-13-2009
Location: City of Harrisonburg
I responded for a call of shots fired. Upon arrival, a witness stated that she heard shotgun blasts from behind her apartment, and then observed the suspect flee on foot with a pistol grip shotgun.
I deployed K9 Nobel on a track for the suspects and as we crossed the parking lot of the witness, I could hear two more shotgun blasts several blocks away. K9 Nobel tracked across a parking lot, across a busy street, through several back yards (approx. 3 blocks) directly to a residence. The backup officer walked up to the front door of the residence as I took up a position in front of an attached garage.
At this time, I observed a male enter into the garage from the residence with a pistol grip sawed off shotgun. The Suspect placed the shotgun in a freezer and fled back inside the residence. A K9 challenge was issued and all four occupants surrendered without incident. K9 Nobel located the shotgun and the appropriate charges were placed against the suspect.
K9 Nobel currently has 7 non-physical Apprehensions from successful tracks.
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