K-9 Karen back on duty after confrontation with wrong-way suspect
GRAND CANE, La. — A DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office K-9 is gaining local attention after dashcam video showed her leaping through a vehicle window to help deputies apprehend a driver who was speeding the wrong way on Interstate 49 early Monday morning.
Authorities say the incident happened around 3 a.m., when deputies began pursuing a reckless, naked driver who they say was under the influence. After the man refused multiple commands to exit his vehicle, K-9 Karen was released and jumped through the window to subdue him.
“I gave a lot of announcements — a lot — and he wasn’t complying,” said Cpl. Kelby Pearah, Karen’s handler. “The safest thing for us to do is use a dog to help get him out of the car.”
Deputies said that when a suspect is in that kind of mental state, going hands-on is dangerous; an officer’s gun can be within reach.
Karen sustained several blows to the head during the struggle but didn’t sustain injuries. Pearah, who cares for Karen on and off duty, said he must maintain emotional distance in the job.