Lithonia K-9 officer goes missing – CBS 46 News
ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) – A member of the Lithonia Police Department’s Canine Unit has gone missing. Officer Perro disappeared around 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon near Flakes Mill Road and River Road. Police are still searching the area.
As of 4:45 p.m. Monday, Lithonia Police said there was a K-9 sighting near Rockknoll Ct. who they believe is Officer Perro.
Police said their beloved K-9 dog may now be heading toward Clayton County.
Corporal J. Patterson is Officer Perro’s handler.
“He’s very pet friendly at home but when it’s time to work he comes to work,” said Patterson. But Monday was the first day Officer Perro did not show up to work with Patterson, who is still out searching for him.
Patterson said when he went out to feed Officer Perro, he couldn’t find him.
That’s when he noticed a hole in his backyard.
“He dug a hole in the yard and put a hole through the fence and got out,” said Patterson.
Patterson said this is the first time the department’s K9 dog has gone missing in the nearly 4 years he’s been his handler.
Lithonia Police said the search has now expanded to about a 10-mile radius for a playful but critical player within the department.
“They do things that us humans can’t do, when it comes to people running from us they can sniff them out, finding drugs,” Patterson said. “Maybe someone will stop saying they’ve seen him somewhere, we’re just hoping for the best.”
Patterson said, “I didn’t sleep at all last night worrying about him but I’m hoping he comes back soon.”
If you spot Officer Perro, you can contact DeKalb County Police or Major J. Patterson at (678) 267-4911
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