Nanaimo police dog Jager is being credited with helping track down a Campbell River woman who was wanted on 10 different warrants early Tuesday morning.
At approximately 2 a.m., police were called after a Nanaimo resident spotted three people with flashlights examining a parked vehicle.
Once police arrived at the parked vehicle, a black Honda Acura, they found that the car was reported stolen from Nanaimo 4 days earlier. With no suspects near the vehicle when police arrived, officers asked for police dog Jager to attend the scene.
Once the K9 unit arrived, police say he quickly established a track and followed the trail to bushes that were just 30 feet from the vehicle where a 30-year-old female suspect was found hiding.
She initially refused to comply with officers, prompting a short altercation between the woman and Jager. After the encounter, the woman surrendered to police and was arrested for possession of stolen property in relation to the car.
Police say that during the altercation, the woman received several puncture wounds and was transported to hospital for treatment. After the treatment, she was taken into custody, where she remains.
“This is an excellent example of why it is important to report suspicious activity immediately to the police,” said Cst. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP in a release.
“As a result of one phone call, and thanks to Jager, a violent offender was taken off the streets and police were able to retrieve a stolen vehicle.”
The suspect, Sarah Marleu of Campbell River, was charged with 10 additional outstanding warrants that originated from across the island. The warrants, from Campbell River, Courtenay, and North Cowichan were assault with weapon, 3 counts of fraud, 4 counts of possession of stolen property, theft under $5000, and breach of an undertaking.
Marleau is set to appear in court in Courtenay today.
