March 22, 2020 – West Bend, WI – On Wednesday evening, March 18 around 9:30 p.m. the West Bend Police Department was investigating a domestic incident. The initial report was the suspect brandished a knife and then fled the residence on foot when the victim called 911. First responding officers observed the subject from afar and the suspect fled on foot again.
West Bend Police worked diligently to set up a perimeter and requested the assistance of our K-9, Ryker.
Ryker is trained on scent specific tracking. Ryker’s handler, Deputy Doran, was able to obtain an item of the suspect’s clothing and Ryker began a scent specific track in the area where the suspect was last seen.
After about 20 minutes of tracking, Ryker alerted his handler he was on a strong track and was heading towards a grove of trees. The suspect was located underneath a tree trying to conceal himself and was taken into custody by West Bend Police Officers.
Sheriff Martin Schulteis said, “This is exactly the type of incident that demonstrates the level of cooperation and respect Washington County law enforcement has for each other. One mission. One goal.”
Good boy, Ryker!
