In South Charleston, West Virginia, an investigation regarding the disappearance of a K9 officer is inconsistent with the police officer who was the dog’s handler.
On April 11, South Charleston Police Department began a search within the city limits after a Chapmanville Police Department K9 officer, Chase, was reported missing. According to the South Charleston PD, Chase’s handler said the dog escaped from the fenced yard. A search has been ongoing, and police have reached out to the public hoping for sightings of Chase and any information that could be used to find him.
The disappearance of Chase has affected the entire community with many neighbors questioning the officer’s story.
South Charleston detectives have searched through hours of surveillance video. However there is still no sign of the missing K-9. They say the only proof they have is that the officer’s initial story just didn’t happen.
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According to Chase’s handler, the dog had been left on his chain in the yard to relieve himself. The officer said he returned only to find the collar still attached to the chain. The dog is a two-year-old Belgian Malinois who was last seen in the South Charleston area of Second Avenue.
A report from WtrfNews, states the investigation has confirmed Chase did not escape from the yard, nor was he stolen from the yard.
Based on surveillance video that we’ve reviewed and witnesses that we’ve talked to it is inconsistent with what the officer had stated happened.
SCPD Captain Andrew Gordon
Chase’s handler has since been placed on administrative leave. The officer was hired by the Chapmanville Police Department in November 2020 and has been in charge of K9 Chase’s welfare since February 2023. Chase had been an active marijuana tracking dog since March.
The police are asking for the public’s help; a reward for the dog’s safe return has also been offered. Anyone with information is asked to call the South Charleston Police Department at 304.744.5951. Chase is very friendly and has a white spot on his chest. Please help find this important member of the police department.
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