Kianna Holland Press Release - Public Information Officer - Oconee County Sheriff's Office:
On November 10th, 2019 The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office tracking and explosives K9, Thor, as well as his handler (Deputy Justin Stokes) responded to Kelly Drive in Walhalla at the request of Walhalla PD.
Deputy Stokes was advised that a male suspect had run away from law enforcement in to a wooded area carrying many [suspected] stolen items.
A neighbor advised Deputy Stokes that he had recently seen the suspect on his property and also advised of what direction the suspect fled in.
Thor responded to the sighting and began tracking the suspect.
A short time later, the suspect, Brandon Kyle Stancil, was located and apprehended by Walhalla PD.
Thor began an article search shortly after the suspect was placed in custody and recovered numerous stolen items.
Stancil was charged by Walhalla PD Lt. Underwood and Officer Sanders with: Breaking into Auto/Tanks Where Fuel is Stored X3, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Refusal to Accompany Arresting Officer.
Thor was purchased by the Sheriff’s Office Foundation (501C3 Organization) in May to replace Dina, who had recently retired.
Tracking K9’s such as Thor are an invaluable asset to law enforcement and add an expansive element of evidence collection.
Walhalla PD Chief Brinson states:
With Deputy Stokes and Thor’s assistance, Walhalla PD gathered valuable additional evidence for this case that may have otherwise gone uncollected.
Having a K9 unit available for every shift is a major asset to the county and municipalities.
I think this shows how well our agencies work together.
The apprehension in this case helped us connect multiple vehicle break-ins in the Walhalla area.
We recovered multiple items for the victims.
I do appreciate the work that Deputy Stokes and Thor did that day.
They represented the Sheriff’s Office with professionalism and responsiveness.
They are a great team and we are fortunate to have them serving our community.
Without Thor’s assistance this day, the suspect most likely would have not been charged with any crime and victims would not have had some of their stolen items recovered.
The Sheriff’s Office is pleased that Thor was able to be an asset Walhalla PD and are looking forward to many more success stories of assistance from our K9’s.