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@DouglasCoSO
OAKLAND, Ore. - Two burglars were arrested and lodged in the Douglas County Jail on Saturday after K9 Grim tracked them down.
Deputies were dispatched to a residential property in the 300-block of Thurman Lane shortly before 9:30 am on Saturday, September 7th. A witness observed a subject run from the property when he arrived at the home. Deputies began an investigation and determined a burglary had occurred.
At the request of deputies, K9 Grim was dispatched to the scene to track the suspects. Once there, K9 Grim led deputies to an abandoned structure in the 200-block of Prescott Avenue where he began to alert that the suspects were hiding nearby. Deputies announced the presence of the K9 and told the subjects to surrender. 35 year-old Christopher Robert Helm and 42 year-old Hondo Lee Kuntz, both of Yoncalla, complied and were taken into custody without incident.
Both were transported to the Douglas County Jail and lodged on the following charges:
- Helm: Criminal Mischief I, Burglary I, Trespass II, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine and Probation Violation
- Kuntz: Burglary I, Trespass II, Criminal Mischief III
Sutherlin Police Department assisted the Sheriff's Office in the investigation.
K9 Grim, a 7 year-old German Shepherd, has been with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office since 2013. Grim was purchased by an anonymous donor in the community. The Sheriff’s K9 program is supported financially by the Friends of Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs, a nonprofit organization which holds fundraisers and receives donations from the community. Bailey's Veterinary Clinic provides medical care for K9 Grim while Coastal Farm and Home Supply provides Grim's food.
In August, the Sheriff's Office announced it would be adding a second K9 patrol division. Arrangements are currently underway to select the dog and equip the agency for the addition.