Meet The Brave Police Dog Making Headlines For Wrestling Pursuit Suspect Out Of Shed
AZUSA (CBSLA.com) — The most talked-about element from Monday's wild police chase in Azusa was the police dog who wrestled one of the suspects out of a shed.
CBS2's Kristine Lazar introduces us to Rec, a police dog who's taking a bite out of crime, and handler West Covina police Officer Matt Bowman.
Bowman says he's more than Rec's handler: "He's my partner."
On Monday, Rec started his day nabbing a suspect after a high-speed police chase and ended his shift with a treat.
"His treat? He does like a steak, I'll tell you that," Bowman said.
One of the three suspects in a stolen car ran and hid in a backyard shed.
When Job Alonso wouldn't come out of the shed, police said, Rec went in while officers lined up outside with their guns drawn. The dog dragged out the man by his arm.
"When these dogs are working, their tails are wagging; that's how you know they're happy," Bowman said.
Rec has been with the West Covina Police Department since November. The 3-and-a-half-year-old Belgian Malinois, a breed known for being smart, confident and hardworking, was born in Holland.
"Rec in Dutch means soldier or warrior, and I thought it was a fitting name for him," Bowman said.
The department has three police dogs and is trying to raise money for a fourth. Each runs $10,000 with an additional $5,000 for the six-week training program.
To help the department's K9 program, click here.
