A Starke County Sheriff’s Department K9 officer and deputies apprehended four juveniles in suspected Bass Lake thefts and two adults remain at large.
The alleged thefts were reported Saturday, Aug. 4 around 2:30 a.m. CT. A resident told police that there were several subjects reportedly breaking into vehicles in the area of 4500 County Road 210 at Bass Lake. The suspects were wearing masks and hoodies, according to the report.
Starke County police say the K9 officer got to the scene and commanded the suspects to stop once he saw them flee. They reportedly did not stop and the officer engaged in a foot pursuit. When the officer thought the subjects were surrounding him, he activated the door popper on his squad car to release the K9 to assist him. K9 Zardoz arrived at the deputy’s side and a male began to flee. K9 Zardoz was deployed and the suspect was apprehended. He was later taken to Starke Hospital in Knox for treatment.
Police say several others continued to flee on foot. Other deputies were able to locate two of the subjects who were believed to be involved in the thefts. They were riding their bikes to a residence in North Judson.
In all, four juveniles were taken into custody and later released to their parents. Two adults remain at large.
The incident remains under investigation. Formal charges are pending with the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office.
