A newly deployed police bloodhound followed a scent trail through multiple blocks and onto the beach, leading officers to a suspect hiding in a vehicle.
Ocean City, MD – A coordinated response between patrol officers and a K-9 unit led to the arrest of a Maryland man following a reported altercation and burglary early Friday morning, according to police.
Officers were dispatched around 1:19 a.m. to the area of 83rd Street for a disorderly individual. Upon arrival, they determined a physical altercation had taken place inside and outside a residence between individuals known to each other .
Police said the suspect had been asked to leave but unlawfully reentered the residence, where a second altercation occurred before he fled on foot.
K-9 unit tracks suspect across beach and city blocks
Police First Class Bartrom and K-9 Mackenzie responded and began tracking the suspect using a scent from an item left behind at the scene.
Key Points
- K-9 tracked suspect from Coastal Highway onto beach and through multiple blocks
- Suspect found hiding inside parked vehicle near original incident area
- Arrest highlights debut of Ocean City Police Department’s first bloodhound
Authorities said the K-9 followed the trail from the 8700 block of Coastal Highway onto the beach and through surrounding areas before leading officers back near the original location.
The suspect, identified as Ernest Joseph Leatherbury III, 30, of Berlin, Maryland, was located inside a parked vehicle and taken into custody without incident .
First bloodhound K-9 plays key role in arrest
Leatherbury has been charged with third-degree burglary, fourth-degree burglary, and second-degree assault. He is being held without bond at the Worcester County Jail.
Officials highlighted the significance of the case as the first major deployment of K-9 Mackenzie, the department’s first bloodhound and first female K-9.
“This incident is a great example of the strong teamwork between our patrol officers and K-9 unit,” said Chief Raymond J. Austin. “We are especially proud of PFC Bartrom and K-9 Mackenzie, whose tracking ability played a critical role in locating the suspect.”
Police said the case underscores the department’s continued investment in specialized units and coordinated response efforts.