Police pooch finds suspect

An assault suspect’s hiding place seemed good enough at first glance, but was no match for one police officer’s nose.

Thunder, the Thunder Bay Police Services K9 unit dog, found the suspect buried beneath some insulation in an attic following a domestic assault early Saturday morning. Thunder, and his K9 Unit handler Const. Joe Prevett, arrived on scene after a report that the suspect may have been armed with a handgun.

The incident began shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday. Police received a call about a possible domestic assault at an apartment complex on Windsor Street. Paramedics brought the female victim of the alleged assault to the hospital so she could receive treatment for her facial injuries.

Officers who arrived on the scene first called in the Emergency Task Unit, K9 Unit, containment team, negotiators and an incident commander after learning the suspect could be armed.

The ETU, Thunder and Const. Prevett entered the residence shortly after 4:30 a.m.
Officers couldn’t locate the suspect but did notice an attic hatch in an upstairs bedroom.
Thunder went into the attic and immediately found the suspect buried beneath some insulation.

Officers went into the attic to assist Thunder, which caused Thunder, Const. Prevett, two ETU members and the suspect to fall through the ceiling.

The suspect received minor injuries from the fall, but did not require medical attention. None of the other officers were injured.

Police did not find a handgun or any other weapon on the suspect.

Police arrested a 27-year-old Timmins man. The suspect now faces a charge of domestic assault. Police say other charges are pending.