Scout The K-9 Catches Car Thief: Sonoma County Sheriff's Office

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A Sonoma County sheriff's dog named Scout is credited with the apprehension Saturday of an accused car thief in Santa Rosa. The suspect, later identified as Jorden Cantor, 28, of Santa Rosa, first came to the attention of a sheriff's deputy around 5:15 p.m. Dec. 14 in the area of Vallejo Street and Corlano Court, sheriff's Sgt. Juan Valencia said in a news release.

A white Honda Civic that had been reported as stolen was parked in the area, and the deputy saw Cantor driving the car, Valencia said.

"Cantor noticed the deputy and immediately turned onto Ashbury Street," Valencia said.

When the deputy switched on his emergency lights, Cantor stopped the Civic and jumped out, leaving the car partially blocking the roadway as he walked away, the sergeant said.

"The deputy told Cantor to stop numerous times," Valencia said. "Cantor saw the deputy behind him and took off running."

The deputy, who had his K-9 partner Scout with him in the patrol car, started chasing Cantor and ordered the canine to "catch Cantor," the sergeant said.

Scout caught up to Cantor and bit him on the leg.

"Cantor began assaulting Scout by pushing and slapping at his muzzle in an attempt to get away," Valencia said. "Cantor was arrested and later transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released for his injuries."

Neither Scout nor the deputy were injured in the incident.

According to the sheriff's office, a shaved key used to steal cars was found in the ignition of the white Honda Civic.

"The deputy further searched the area of the foot chase and found Cantor’s baseball hat and suspected heroin and methamphetamine," Valencia said.

Cantor was booked into the Sonoma County jail on suspicion of felony and misdemeanor charges of vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, vehicle theft with a prior conviction, assaulting a police dog, obstructing or resisting an officer, possession of narcotics, possession of a controlled substance, possession of burglary tools, and a felony warrant.

"He is being held on a no bail warrant, which means he cannot post bail," Valencia said.