Police K9 helps capture break-in suspect

Windsor police canine officer Link in Windsor, Ont., on Sept. 4, 2024. (Melanie Kentner/CTV News Windsor)

Windsor police are crediting one of their K9 officers for helping track down and capture a suspect following a commercial break-in in south Windsor.

Officers, including the canine unit, responded to a report of a break-in at a business in the 2900 block of Dougall Avenue shortly before 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 19.

Police determined that a suspect had forcefully entered the premises and caused extensive damage to the property. A bag containing multiple stolen items was found at the scene.

With the help of police dog Link, officers conducted a search of the surrounding area. The suspect was quickly located in a nearby scrap yard, where he was taken into custody following a brief foot chase.

The 24-year-old man has been charged with:

• Break-and-enter

• Possession of instruments for the purpose of break-and-enter

• Failure to comply with a release order

The Windsor Police Target Base Unit asks residents and business owners in the area to check their surveillance or dashcam footage, specifically between the hours of 4:30 and 6:30 a.m. on January 19, for evidence that may assist with the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Target Base Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4350. They can also contact Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.