New Macon County Sheriff Department K-9 dog Gordy took down his first accused felon on Monday of this week, reports handler Sgt. Michael Veatch. The dog, a 15-month-old Malawa, joined the force in August of 2012 and finished his training and drugs certification in the last month. He responds to commands in Dutch and French. It’s a deliberate training decision, which helps to ensure that only law enforcement can call off a K-9 dog.
On Monday, October 29, Gordy was instrumental in catching 36-year-old Jeffery Wayne King. Warrants had been issued on King relating to copper theft in Red Boiling Springs. According to Veatch, King had run from the RBS Police unit. Four officers from the Macon County Sheriff’s Department, as well as two from the RBS Police Department, were in the team that eventually located King.
“We went to this tobacco farm where he was supposed to be at,” said Veatch. “He had a tendency in the past to flee on foot. We pull up, and he runs out of the tobacco barn. I deploy the dog and holler K-9 and he don’t stop. So I turn the dog loose and he actually chases him down. The guy gives up, and I’m able to call the dog off without the guy getting bit. He’s taken into custody. He had marijuana on him at the time, too.”
King’s charges include theft of property over $1,000, simple possession, driving under the influence, evading arrest, criminal trespassing, and vandalism. He awaits a December 5 court date, and bond is set at $12,500.
“If we hadn’t had the dog, we never would have got him,” said Veatch. “This guy could have been a track star. He’s definitely known for speed.”
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