A 28-year-old man was arrested for allegedly stealing a dog, thanks to help from the Sarnia Police Service's newest member of the canine unit.
On Monday, Sarnia police responded to a dispute involving a stolen dog on Wellington Street around 7:40 p.m.
According to police, the victim and accused had an argument earlier over the victim's Chihuahua. Shortly after, video surveillance showed the accused exiting the victim's building with the stolen dog.
The Investigation led officers to the area of Forsyth Street near the 200 block of Forsyth Street near George Street.
Upon arrival, eyewitnesses said the accused had jumped from a second-storey window and ran when police showed up.
Officers located the accused and attempted to arrest him, but he was able to break free and took off.
SPS called the canine unit and PSD Vader to the scene to locate the accused.
Vader was deployed in a tracking capacity, leading officers through backyards and over a fence into a backyard on Penrose Street. Police said Vader jumped on top of an overturned canoe and began to bark frantically.
The accused was found hiding under the overturned canoe and surrendered to police without incident.
Police said at the time of his arrest, he was on bail release with conditions to not be in possession of an animal. In addition, he was wanted on outstanding warrants with Waterloo Regional Police and OPP.
The 28-year-old is charged with theft under $5,000, trespassing at night, resisting a peace officer, and failing to comply with a release order.
SPS said the stolen dog was returned to the owner.