Clearlake >> Police K9 Dex nabbed a suspect Tuesday morning after a chase on foot through residential yards and over fences.
Clearlake Police Department (CPD) officers Travis Parson and Travis Lenz, with his partner Dex, responded to a report shortly after 7 a.m. about a subject wearing dark colored clothing who had just smashed the window at Dr. Jack Elizares optometrist office on Old Highway 53, according to Lt. Tim Celli. When they arrived at the scene, the officers found evidence also consistent with a burglary.
While they checked the area, Parson saw a man later identified as 21-year-old Patrick Potter running away from the scene, Celli stated. Officers allegedly gave numerous commands for the suspect to stop; however, Potter ignored them. The suspect continued to flee and Lenz deployed Dex.
During the foot chase through yards, Potter reportedly jumped over a barbed wire fence, which caused Dex to get tangled. Lenz was able to quickly set the dog free, and released Dex after the suspect once again. This time, Dex was able to bite Potter from behind, and he was taken into custody without further incident.
During subsequent interviews with Potter he reportedly admitted to the burglary and items stolen by him during the burglary were recovered, Celli stated. Additionally, Potter had an arrest warrant for theft and vandalism out of Sonoma County. After receiving treatment for his injuries suffered during his apprehension by Dex, Potter was transported and booked in the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility on charges of burglary, vandalism and the outstanding warrant.
Dex suffered only minor scrapes from the fence.
“The Clearlake Police would like to thank the reporting party for calling, which led to the apprehension of the suspect who otherwise may have gotten away with the crime,” Celli said. “In partnership with the community we can make a difference.”
