Tukwila Police arrest vehicle theft suspect with help of K-9 Raider

On Tuesday night, July 16, 2024, Tukwila Police Department’s Special Emphasis Unit (SEU) and K-9 Unit successfully apprehended a vehicle theft suspect.

The incident began when SEU detectives located an occupied stolen vehicle in the 14000 block of Military Road South (map below).

Upon approaching the vehicle, the suspect fled on foot, leading officers on a chase through the neighborhood, including jumping fences. Additional officers – along with K-9 Raider – were dispatched to assist. K-9 Raider quickly picked up the suspect’s scent and tracked him through various obstacles, including a yard full of chickens and an auto storage yard.

Ignoring distractions, K-9 Raider pursued the suspect over another fence. The suspect attempted to flee again but complied when confronted by K-9 Raider and the officers. He was taken into custody without incident.

This marks K-9 Raider’s 11th capture since joining the department at the end of 2023.

“The outcome of this is also common of many K9 tracks,” police said. “Very few K9 tracks end in a K9 application of force. Rather, most end with a confrontation with the suspect at which time the suspect complies when faced with the decision to run, fight or comply with the lawful commands of officers.”