Video: Wash. Deputy’s 'Impeccable' K‑9 Imitation Helps Nab Suspect

A Washington deputy's dead-on impersonation of a K-9 is being credited with helping to apprehend a fleeing motorcyclist accused of reckless driving last week.

In a social media post, Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders said he had stopped a motorcyclist for riding on the shoulder without a helmet earlier last month. The operator said he had just bought the motorcycle and was headed home to Tumwater.

"I opted to give the rider a break, and in exchange the rider agreed to have a friend bring his helmet to him before he finished his commute home," wrote Sanders.

On Feb. 25, a sheriff's office sergeant unaware of the previous stop tried to pull over the same motorcyclist for reckless driving in Tumwater, stated Sanders. A chase ensued, and the motorcyclist tried to escape by riding through a wooded area.

The suspect became stuck while off-roading and decided to flee on foot. Two sergeants continued the pursuit.

As the chase continued, one of the sergeants tried a creative tactic to end all the running.

"During the foot pursuit, a pursuing TCSO Sergeant was able to produce an impeccable police K9 whine as they pursued the suspect, who eventually fell down and was taken into custody," Sanders wrote in another social media post that included dashboard and body camera footage from the incident.

In the video footage, one of the sergeants yells, "There's a dog! You're gonna get bit!" Dog barks and whines are heard as the deputies continue after the suspect.

Sanders didn't share the suspect's reaction when he found out that no K-9s were after him during the foot chase. Along with taking the man into custody, the sergeants also impounded the motorcycle.

"The uncanny impersonation of our K9 unit has created quite a stir internally and is under investigation," the sheriff stated. "K9 Igo, K9 Asher, K9 Manny, K9 Mac, and K9 Talia have filed a formal grievance through their union, asserting that barking at suspects is work that has historically belonged solely to their bargaining unit, and they are unwilling to surrender that protected work without negotiating for additional treats."