The citation was received for tracking and locating an Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI) suspect who had fled from the Clinton Police Department, recklessly crashed his vehicle in an intersection in rural southwest Washtenaw County, then fled on foot.Following an 80 yard track, the team located the suspect attempting to hide in a field in an area of tall grass. Unprovoked, the suspect first pushed at and then began to strike K9 Argo in the head and face, startling both the handler and dog. Argo responded on command to defend himself and gripped the suspect who then attempted to choke him. Deputy Houk also engaged the suspect, a physically large individual, and together they subdued the suspect with the subsequent support of other officers on the scene from the Clinton Police Department and Michigan State Police.
The Police Service Dog Unit’s motto is “Always on Point”. They are among the first to respond to criminal activity in-progress where their unique capabilities are required. Receiving this recognition points to the serious and hazardous nature of the circumstances and situations the police service dog teams regularly face in service to the Washtenaw County community. Their response to this call for service is an acknowledgment and validation of their training and performance as a police service dog team. K9 Argo is a five (5) year old Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix. He is certified as a police service tracking dog, drug detection dog, and patrol dog by both the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) and the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers (NAPCH).