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A burglary suspect is behind bars in DeKalb County, Georgia, after a police dog tracked him down inside an air vent at a local business — a search that also turned up burglary tools and a loaded firearm.
The incident unfolded in the early morning hours of Monday (February 23), when the owner of Atlanta Fixtures and Sales spotted a person on the roof of the business through a live video surveillance feed and called police.
Officers from the DeKalb County Police Department's North Central Morning Watch arrived and quickly set up a perimeter. Inside, they found signs of forced entry and evidence that someone had been tampering with the building's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
With the suspect still unaccounted for, officers called in reinforcements — including the department's K-9 Unit, its Strategic Tactical and Response (STAR) team, and fire personnel.
That's when K-9 Alex went to work. Alex and officers using specialized equipment — including ladders to access the ductwork — tracked the suspect directly to an air vent, where he was found hiding inside the ventilation system. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.
Officers recovered burglary tools and a firearm at the scene. The suspect was charged with burglary and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Authorities also discovered he had outstanding warrants in DeKalb County. His identity has not yet been released.
The DeKalb County Police Department praised the effort across all units involved. "This arrest highlights the professionalism, coordination, and resourcefulness demonstrated daily by the men and women of the DeKalb County Police Department," the agency said in a statement. "Great work by all units involved in bringing this incident to a safe resolution."