Sheriff's New K9 'Windy' Completes Training Academy, Makes Bust

The sheriff’s department announced this week that K9 Windy has completed her training— and she’s already made her first bust.

The bloodhound made her public debut in May. Since then, she’s been training with her handler non-stop.

“The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is pleased to announce on Oct. 4, Deputy Ochoa, and his now 7-month-old bloodhound ’Windy,’ have successfully completed the Canine Training Academy in Colorado,” Sheriff’s Sgt. Anthony Williams said in a statement. “Windy has earned her basic certificate to trail and track on her own in rural areas. She is now progressing to the much more difficult urban environments.”

Williams said that Windy’s skills have already been utilized in a recent incident.

“Windy’s first challenge came on Oct. 6 when Deputy Ochoa and Windy were called to the Coachella area regarding two armed robbery suspects who had fled on foot,” the sergeant said. “Windy successfully assisted detectives track a suspect. She was also able to locate a small amount of money believed to be stolen from the robbery.”

Windy’s training isn’t over yet, though.

She’ll continue training with Deputy Ochoa, and has another test on her tracking skills in April 2015 to qualify for the National Police Bloodhound Association.

The below Banning-Beaumont Patch video shows Windy back in May... look how much she’s grown!