A police dog called Kenai has helped catch two suspected thieves.
In the early hours of Sunday, an off-duty officer reported a vehicle on fire in North Deighton, near Harrogate.
Police intelligence learnt that the vehicle had travelled from Cleveland in convoy with a white VW Polo.
The Polo was spotted by a dog unit on the A168, heading back towards Cleveland.
The vehicle failed to stop, police deployed a stinger.
However, the vehicle continued on its rims up the A168 near Knayton, where an item was seen to be thrown from the vehicle.
It then turned off at Ellerbeck where two males abandoned the vehicle.
Inside the vehicle, officers found registration plates from the burnt-out car, a machete, and a petrol container.
A third male, a 22-year-old man from Eston in Cleveland, was arrested from inside the vehicle on suspicion of multiple offences, including failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, being equipped to steal, possession of an offensive weapon, and arson.
A police spokesperson said: “Meanwhile, the two passengers fled on foot, attempting to evade capture by crossing fields and navigating barbed wire fences and cattle grids.
“However, one of our police dogs, PD Kenai and his handler were hot on their heels.
“One of the suspects, after a brief encounter with some curious cows, was apprehended in a nearby field alongside a discarded bank card belonging to an unknown third party.”
The 19-year-old man, from Normanby in Cleveland, was found with a small quantity of cannabis and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of being equipped to steal, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a Class B drug, and arson.
A search was made by the dog unit team with the assistance of the police helicopter however, no one else was found.
The two men have been released on conditional bail while the investigation continues.
“A fantastic team effort by all involved, with special recognition for our four-legged colleagues—truly worth their weight in gold,” the spokesperson added.
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