Suspect in Stolen Car Arrested After Successful K9 Tracking Mission

Oakland, Oregon- On Friday, March 1, 2024, the Sutherlin Police Department entered into a pursuit when they attempted to intercept a stolen 2017 Nissan Rogue on W. Central Avenue near Ponderosa Drive in Sutherlin. The driver, identified as 50-year-old Kevin Wade Davison of Roseburg, disregarded police signals to stop and instead opted to try and evade officers in the vehicle.

The situation escalated when the suspect crashed the vehicle and fled on foot in the 600-block of Fawn Ridge Drive in Oakland. In response, law enforcement cordoned off the area and enlisted the assistance of a Sheriff’s Office K9 unit.

K9 Eros, a 4.5-year-old German Shepherd, engaged in tracking the suspect from his last known whereabouts. During the pursuit, Eros successfully traced discarded clothing items worn by the suspect, eventually leading officers to a red pump house where Davison was believed to have hid inside of.

Deputies issued verbal calls for surrender, prompting Davison to surrender without further resistance upon opening the door to the pump house.

Subsequently, Davison was apprehended and taken into custody by Sutherlin Police Officers, who managed the case. The successful resolution underscored the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement efforts in apprehending suspects.

The incident also shed light on the invaluable role played by K9 Eros and the broader K9 program operated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Established in 2013, the program, comprising three Patrol K9 teams and one narcotics K9 team, operates with financial backing from private donations and the Friends of Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs, a local non-profit organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement K9 units.

K9 Eros himself was purchased through the generosity of an anonymous donor in the Douglas County community and has been serving the agency since November 2021. Bailey’s Veterinary Clinic extends medical support to the Sheriff’s Office K9 program, while Coastal Farm and Home Supply contributes additional nutritional needs.