Kennewick Police Dog Chomps Down Domestic Violence Suspect

A man wanted in connection with an assault Wednesday night is in custody thanks to a Kennewick police dog. (Pictured are K-9 Officers Brad Kohn and Kenny Malone with "officers" Vigo and Inu)

Sgt. Ken Lattin said Thursday officers responded to a report of an assault in the 2800 block of West Kennewick Ave, around 5pm Wednesday.

The 25-year-old female reported to officers she was assaulted by a man whom she was apparently in a relationship with.

The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Caleb Wortman, was described by police as a transient.  He was later spotted early Thursday morning riding his bike in the 2700 block of West Kennewick Ave. When confronted by officers and told to stop as he was under arrest, he dumped the bike and fled on foot.

Police quickly set up a containment perimeter, and witnesses reported seeing Wortman jump over several fences. But a K-9 unit quickly tracked and found him hiding behind a backyard shed at 2305 West Kennewick Ave.  The dog quickly subdued the suspect and he is in the Benton County Jail for Domestic Violence Assault and Resisting Arrest.