Some Northwest Suburban diners got more than they ordered last night: a front row seat to a dramatic arrest involving a police canine.
A Wauconda Police Officer pulled over a vehicle near Route 12 and Bonner Road just before 6 o’clock, one linked to a number of crimes and retail thefts. Detective Sgt. Heather Cognac says the driver was cooperative, the passenger was not.
“The officer went back to his squad car to try to confirm some information and determine who this passenger was. That’s when the passenger took off on foot.”
Unfortunately for the suspect, 27-year-old Jose Barico-Pena, the officer he was running from was a canine handler, who quickly deployed Skye.
“The whole time, if he fell, he was kicking and hitting her. But she kept pursuing him and ultimately, they were able to take the suspect into custody.”
Barico-Pena, who was wanted for arrest, is now charged with two counts of injuring a police animal.
However, Cognac says Skye is doing just fine…and even got a special treat after the arrest, which happened right behind a popular Wauconda restaurant.
“Someone stopped in last night and brought dinner for the officers, as well as a bun-less burger for Skye. They said, ‘hey, we loved the demo.’”