Man’s Best Friend…Zuko is DNSD’s Best Tracker

Last week, Del Norte K9 Deputy Lucas Brittain and Zuko were patrolling the area off Seashore Drive after receiving reports of suspicious drug-related activity. Deputy Britrain noted an individual walking in the area identified as 37 year old Christopher James Swain. The individual is wanted in connection with multiple felony crimes in Del Norte County.

Before Deputy Brittain could make contact and arrest Swain, the suspect fled on foot and Deputy Brittain was unable to give chase immediately. Assisting law enforcement arrived in the area and K9 Zuko went to work.

Besides being the deputy’s best friend, Zuko is a specially trained, State-certified tracking canine. Within short order, Zuko tracked the suspect to a home on Shorecliff Drive. A perimeter was established to contain the suspect, search warrant was obtained from the Superior Court and Swain was arrested on evading arrest.

The suspect has been detained in the Del Norte Jail, on parole hold felonies. Del Norte Probation is reviewing violations with no bail available. Assisting the DNSD were the CHP, District Attorney’s Office, National Parks Law Enforcement and the Pelican Bay CERT Team.

Center to this happy ending story, the arrest with the expert skills of Zuko, protected deputies and the community.

Recently, Wal-Mart Crescent City donated $4000 to benefit the Del Norte K9 Program.

Zuko, man’s best friend and the Department’s best tracker.