(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Have you wondered how the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) K-9 Unit helps detain suspects? CSPD unveils a perfect example where K-9 Riggs helped arrest a suspect who attempted to evade arrest.
On June 28, 2023, CSPD responded to a domestic disturbance in the 3600 Block of El Morro Road near Centennial Park. A woman reported her boyfriend had pointed a gun at her and threatened to harm her, when officers arrived, the suspect had fled on foot still armed.
Officer Brian Kelly, K-9 Unit trainer and Handler of K-9 Zev explained the K-9 unit is there to support various units within the police department.
Determined to prevent the suspect’s escape, K-9 Officer Broc Lofgren and K-9 Riggs joined the search after a containment perimeter was set in the area. K-9 Riggs quickly led officers to a mobile home nearby, where the suspect had hidden under the skirting of the home, hoping to evade capture.
“The main goal of K-9 unit is to basically provide that support to our units and at the end of the day take the suspect into custody in the safest manner, minimize any injury to them and to our officers and citizens alike.”
As the Tactical Enforcement Unit moved in to secure the area, the suspect fired the weapon hitting himself in the process.
The Regional Explosives Unit deployed a robot beneath the mobile home, locating the injured suspect and officers were able to establish communication with the suspect, who then requested help. The suspect moved away from the gun, allowing officers to approach.
The suspect was then pulled out from underneath the mobile home and given medical care.
“Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of the officers, no civilians, officers, or K-9s were harmed during the incident,” said CSPD.
