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Over the weekend, the Cottage Grove Police Department delivered a quick update on two different stories via social media: Early Tuesday morning, one of our alert residents called us to report a catalytic converter theft in progress on the 8200 block of Hyde Avenue. He heard the power cutting tools being used, flashed some lights to stop the theft and helped police track down the suspects. Once CGPD officers pulled over the suspect’s vehicle, three people were arrested, and three stolen catalytic converters were recovered. We want to thank the community member who had the wherewithal to help make this arrest possible, especially as Cottage Grove (like many other cities in the metro) has experienced an increase in converter thefts recently.

Late Tuesday evening, officers attempted to arrest a man with a felony kidnapping warrant in the area of 70th Street and Hinton Avenue. The suspect fled in a motor vehicle, crashing the car just Northwest of Hardwood Avenue and 70th Street. Officers set up a perimeter to search for the suspect and called in a helicopter to aid in the search. A few hours later, Police K9 Gunnar picked up his scent and located the suspect hiding under a tarp.

Gunnar has been a member of the CGPD since graduating K9 training in June of 2016. His human partner is Officer Torning. The two of them have been through quite a few experiences in their five years together. In March of 2018, the pair completed Narcotics Certification. K9 Officers are a very valuable member of every police force and Gunnar keeps tallying arrests!

Cottage Grove Police K-9 Gunnar with his human partner Officer Torning. Photo courtesy of Cottage Grove Police Department