Lake Oswego Police K9 Helps Catch Suspected Car Thief in Happy Valley

HAPPY VALLEY, OR – A Lake Oswego police dog helped a Happy Valley officer catch a suspected car thief early Thursday, according to Clackamas County sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Jason Ritter.

Around 1:30 a.m. March 30, Happy Valley Police Department Deputy Casey Newton discovered the grey Toyota 4-Runner he’d pulled over near Southeast 129th Avenue and Southeast King Road was reported stolen out of Salem earlier Wednesday, March 29.

After stopping, the alleged driver, Wesley Allen McKernan, reportedly exited the vehicle, ran and jumped over a fence into the Happy Valley Nursery at 10800 S.E. 129th Ave.

Clackamas County deputies and Lake Oswego Police Department Officer Brandon Clausen and his K9 partner Szemi assisted in the ensuing search, with Szemi reportedly locating McKernan hiding in a tree.

McKernan, 37, was taken into custody without incident, Ritter said in a statement.

Lodged in the Clackamas County Jail, McKernan was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, unauthorized use of a stolen vehicle, and possession of a controlled substance – meth.

McKernan already had an outstanding warrant in Clackamas County for possession of heroin and meth and unauthorized use of a vehicle, Ritter said. His bail has been set at $105,000.

Additionally, Ritter said, McKernan also has charges out of Multnomah County for unauthorized use of a vehicle and eluding police.

Photo Courtesy: Clackamas County Sheriff's Office