Police Canine Captures Suspect in Creek

Stayton Oregon Photo Courtesy: Scott Rolfson/City of Stayton

(STAYTON) - A Stayton police dog and his handler apprehended a stolen car suspect after a brief chase Sunday night.

Stayton police spokesman Stg. Rich Sebens says officer Brandon Hamilton attempted to stop a car driving without tail lights just before 9:00 PM, when the driver sped away.

After a short chase through several neighborhood street, the driver fled on foot and into a creek.

When the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Nathan Lawrence, exited the creek he was greeted by Palo, Hamilton`s canine partner, and taken into custody.

Lawrence was booked into the Marion County Jail on charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, felony and misdemeanor elude, and second-degree criminal mischief.

Palo has been on-duty with the Stayton Police Department since August 2003.