Police dog ‘Dash’ helps police locate North Okanagan assault suspect

ARMSTRONG – A police dog was instrumental in resolving a potentially violent incident in the North Okanagan last night.

Police received a panicked 911 call shortly before 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, RCMP spokesperson Const. Kelly Brett says in a release. The caller told police she and her husband were being attacked in their home by their adult son.

Officers found a 62-year-old woman and her 71-year-old husband visibly shaken and upset waiting for police outside their home in Armstrong. Investigators learned the suspect had allegedly assaulted them and threatened them with a loaded crossbow, Brett says. The RCMP release does not say why their son threatened them, or what factors led to the incident.

RCMP entered the home as it was believed the suspect was still inside, however evidence led to the back door, where the man had fled on foot. Police Service Dog handler Cpl. Richard Gingras and his dog Dash were called to the scene where they picked up a track that lead police to locate the suspect hiding in a neighbouring yard.

“(Dash) and his handler, Cpl. Richard Gingras, located the male after the track led them through many neighbouring yards, over fences and eventually apprehending the suspect without incident,” Brett says. “Cases such as this are always higher risk for our Police Service Dog, his handler and the members on scene as they are tracking into the unknown where further weapons could be present.”

The victims in this case were lucky to have only sustained minor injuries, Brett says. They were offered medical attention and access to victim services on scene.

A 32-year-old Armstrong man remains in custody and is facing possible charges of assault and assault with a weapon.  He is scheduled to appear in court today.

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