Oregon Sheriff's K-9 Nabs Suspect on First Day

An Oregon sheriff's K-9 helped capture a suspect on its first day earlier this month.

Columbia County Sheriff's K-9 Lars -- who had just graduated from the police canine academy with his handler -- apprehended a motorcyclist after he fled from an attempted traffic stop, according to a news release.

Officials said that 35-year-old Vaughn Yeramian attempted to escape from a traffic stop around 3:12 p.m. on Meissner Rd near S. Canaan Road. When the motorcycle crashed during the pursuit, a female passenger surrendered, but Yeramian ran on foot.

Lars was deployed to intercept the fleeing suspect, who surrendered once he realized Lars was on his trail.

The 2-year-old Belgian Malinois tracking canine netted his first capture within the first three hours of his law enforcement career.

"This is very exciting for us," Columbia County Sheriff Jeff Dickerson said in a statement. "For years we have wanted to be able to provide this kind of capability to our deputies, and to have it work out so quickly for us is an extra benefit."

The pursuit lasted less than 10 minutes, and the foot pursuit lasted less than two minutes.

"Having a canine deputy in instances like this reduces the risk of injury to deputies, increases the likelihood of capture in shorter amounts of time," Dickerson said. "It's a win for everyone in Columbia County, except those who run afoul of the law."

Yeramian was charged with Reckless Driving, Attempt to Elude Police and had multiple warrants for his arrest.

The femaile passenger, identified as 21-year-old Alicia Yeager, was also taken into custody and charged with Hindering Prosecution.

Neither suspect required medical attention and were booked into the Columbia County Jail.