Loveland Police K9 Assists in Arrest of Parole Fugitive Wanted on Multiple Felony Charges
Loveland Police K9 Styng helped officers apprehend a fugitive wanted by the Colorado Division of Adult Parole on October 16 after the suspect attempted to flee outside a Walmart location.
The individual faced warrants stemming from aggravated motor vehicle theft, providing a handgun to a minor, assault, harassment, trespassing and additional charges, according to the Loveland Police Department.
The arrest occurred in a large sandlot area outside the Loveland Walmart in full view of the public. K9 Styng tracked and helped detain the suspect despite the individual's attempt to escape.
"Not even a pair of PF Flyers could help this fugitive escape fast enough," the department stated.
K9 Program Established Through Community Support
The Loveland Police Department established its K9 program in 1999 with the initial dog, Argo, funded through community fundraising efforts, according to department records. Subsequent canines have been provided with non-profit support and community donations.
The department currently operates multiple active K9 teams certified for patrol, apprehension, tracking and narcotics detection. All K9 handlers must complete basic K9 academy training and maintain certification through recognized organizations.
Colorado relies on professional standards rather than statewide statutory K9 certification requirements. Loveland Police K9 teams obtain certification through organizations including the National Police Canine Association, United States Police Canine Association and Colorado Police Canine Association, according to department policy.
The National Police Canine Association certification requires passing five events: obedience, building search, area search, criminal apprehension and courage test. Teams must pass at least four events with obedience, criminal apprehension and courage test being mandatory.
Handlers must demonstrate proficiency through ongoing training including a minimum of 30 minutes with their canine each shift, according to Loveland Police policy.
Parole Violations Create Warrant Authority
Colorado law grants peace officers statewide authority to apprehend individuals with valid arrest warrants, including parole violators. The Colorado Division of Adult Parole issues warrants for parolees who allegedly violated conditions of their supervised release.
When violations are suspected, parole officers apply for warrants that are issued by judges and entered into state law enforcement databases. Any Colorado peace officer, including Loveland Police, may arrest individuals named in those warrants under Colorado Revised Statutes 16-3-102.
The Colorado Department of Corrections coordinates with local agencies by issuing warrants, sharing intelligence and requesting assistance for execution of warrants and apprehension operations.
Loveland Police policy requires only certified personnel to participate in arrests involving elevated risk, which may include K9 deployment for high-risk apprehensions. Operations often involve coordination with state parole officers and regional task forces.
K9 Teams Improve Suspect Location Success
While Loveland Police does not publish annual K9 deployment statistics, law enforcement agencies nationwide report that K9 teams significantly improve suspect location and non-lethal apprehension rates in high-risk operations.
Industry estimates indicate police K9 programs cost approximately $8,000 to $15,000 for initial canine purchase, $12,000 to $18,000 for initial handler and dog training, and $2,000 to $4,000 annually for ongoing maintenance including food, veterinary care, equipment and recertification.
The department emphasized its commitment to public safety through specialized resources like the K9 unit.
"We remain grateful for the dedication of our K9 Unit and every officer who puts safety first," the department stated. "For anyone thinking of bringing their dangerous shenanigans into Loveland—consider this your friendly reminder that Styng's on duty—and he's fast."