Tiffin Police Department's canine officer tracked his first person early Saturday morning. The successful pursuit was three weeks into his new job.
Officer Jake DeMonte, K9 Andy's handler, said he initiated a routine traffic stop on a vehicle driving without headlights, and a short pursuit ensued on Washington, Charlotte and Fourth streets. The vehicle was running stop signs at a high speed, according to a police report.
At Union and Fourth streets, Devon K. Starks, 20, of Fremont, left the car and took off on foot, he said.
DeMonte said Starks went between two houses. DeMonte secured Starks' car and got Andy out of the cruiser, using him to track Starks through yards. Andy tracked Starks to a shed at the rear of 94 Third St., he said.
Starks was charged with fleeing and eluding, obstruction and no operator's license and was taken to Seneca County Jail, DeMonte said.
People are to have the chance to meet Andy during a meet and greet 1-3 p.m. today at North Central Ohio Educational Service Center, 928 W. Market St.
