A routine Nanaimo RCMP training session with a Police Service Dog resulted in the arrest of a known offender with several arrest warrants. (submitted/Nanaimo RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

REALITY BITES

Police Service Dog Luca nabs well-known Nanaimo offender during routine training session

Jan 29, 2021 | 10:34 AM

NANAIMO — A man wanted on numerous arrest warrants is in custody after being in the wrong place in the wrong time.

During a routine training session on Wednesday, Jan. 27, Cpl. Dean Muir and his Police Service Dog Luca were preparing for a training session on Seventh St. near View St.

Cst. Gary O’Brien said another officer in plain clothes was laying out a course for the dog when a man well known to police walked by. The officer recognized the man and knew he had multiple warrants out.

“What the man didn’t know was Luca was nearby, so the officer who had previous dealings with this guy told Cpl. Muir ‘if we approach him, he’s going to run.'”

Officers approached the man in their vehicle with Luca and Cpl. Muir in the back and informed the man he was under arrest which triggered the man to take off.

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“Cpl. Muir simply opened the door to let Luca out, pursued him for a few moments and successfully grabbed him.”

The man suffered only minor dog bite injuries as Luca primarily secured the man via his sweater.

He is being held in police custody following a first court appearance on Thursday, Jan. 28. He’s due to appear again on Tuesday, Feb. 2

Charges against him include robbery, breach of probation and obstruction.

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