K-9 helps track and capture B&E suspect on New Year’s Eve day.

Mason County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Diego.

K-9 helps track and capture B&E suspect on New Year’s Eve day.

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SHERMAN TOWNSHIP — A 26-year-old Fountain man was arrested New Year’s Eve day after he allegedly broke into buildings in the 2300 block of North US 31. Deputies from Mason County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene at 2:53 p.m. The homeowner reported seeing a male suspect prowling around a vehicle and outbuildings, according to Sheriff Kim Cole. “While speaking with the homeowner a second person approached deputies and advised this same male had reportedly broke into their barn,” Cole said.

The sheriff’s office’s K-9 dog Diego was on-duty and responded with handler, Deputy Ken Baum.  Additional deputies along with an officer from Scottville Police Department set up a perimeter in an effort to keep the suspect contained, Cole said.  

“Diego tracked the suspect for just under 1 mile, locating the suspect’s discarded jacket and gloves along the way,” Cole said. “In addition, the suspect was reportedly tracked by Diego up to vehicles and other residences as he fled. Diego tracked the suspect through heavy vegetation and a watery swamp before flushing the suspect out to a Scottville Police Officer who was working a perimeter in the area of US31 and Decker Road.”

Diego is a 2-year-old Dutch Shepherd that started his training with the MCSO in the spring of 2019 and was put into service the fall of 2019 following the unexpected passing of K-9 Cash.  This was Diego’s first capture as a member of the MCSO, Cole said.

The 26-year-old suspect was charged with breaking and entering, trespassing, and a bond violation, according to Cole. He remains lodged in the Mason County Jail. A name will be released following arraignment. 

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