The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office reported on Mar. 18 that a fugitive was apprehended by a K-9 unit following an attempted escape near Illinois River Road.
The incident highlights the role of law enforcement animals in assisting deputies during arrests and ensuring public safety.
According to the report, on Friday, March 13 at about 7:08 a.m., Corporal Schreiber encountered two vehicles parked with trash scattered around them near mile post 3 on Illinois River Road. The deputy identified one of the occupants as Christopher Michael Harwood, age 37, who had a felony no-bail warrant for his arrest from the Oregon State Parole Board related to an original charge of assaulting a peace officer.
After being informed he was under arrest, Harwood allegedly kicked out a vehicle window and fled down a steep hill toward the Illinois River. The Sheriff’s Office K-9 Yana responded to assist in tracking and searching for Harwood. Yana located him at the bottom of the hill under a tree near the river and apprehended him. During this process, Harwood reportedly attempted to choke K-9 Yana; however, Yana was uninjured and Harwood was taken into custody without further incident.
Harwood was transported to Josephine County Jail and lodged on charges including warrant (parole violation) for assault on a peace officer, escape in the second degree, resisting arrest, and interfering with a law enforcement animal.
The use of K-9 units continues to play an important part in law enforcement operations involving suspects attempting to evade arrest.
