K9 Cop Catches Humane Society Burglar After Call from Sonitrol Pacific

Tacoma, WA, November 21, 2008 --(PR.com)-- A police dog, Tacoma Police Officers and the Tacoma Fire Department foiled the plans of a suspected burglar at Tacoma’s Humane Society after Sonitrol Pacific detected a break-in November 18.

Sonitrol Pacific Operator Kris Etheridge received sensor activations from the Humane Society’s adoption room area and heard sounds of movement when listening to real-time audio. She determined the threatening nature of the activity and dispatched Tacoma Police within nine seconds. The police dispatcher thought the noise might be due to animal patrol bringing in a wild dog, but sounds captured by the audio sensors were not consistent with that, according to Etheridge.

Nine police cars raced to the Humane Society and officers quickly found a broken window in the back of the building. They surrounded the facility and waited for the suspect to come out.

According to police, the suspect thought he had plenty of time since he didn’t hear an alarm and was attempting to pry open a cash drawer with a crowbar when he saw the flash of a police light. Startled, he tried to make a break for it. He ran out the front door and into the waiting K9 officer. The suspect was treated for bite injuries by the Tacoma Fire Department, then taken to jail.

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