Eau Claire PD: K9 helps find theft suspect hiding in swamp

A police K9 in Eau Claire helped officers find a theft suspect hiding in a swamp, and bring him into custody Tuesday.

According to the Eau Claire Police Department, on Tuesday evening officers were called to Menards South after a retail theft suspect punched the Loss Prevention Officer while attempting to steal a tablet.

The suspect, 52-year-old Steven B. Luken fled from Menards and went into a nearby swamp.

Officers responded along with K9 Jake and his handler Officer O'Connell.

Jake alerted Officer O'Connell to Luken's presence in the cattails and Officer O'Connell immediately began commanding Luken to come out of the swamp.

Luken was warned if he ran K9 Jake would be sent to apprehend him.

He immediately began to cooperate and come out of the swamp.

The tablet was located in the cattails and Luken was taken into custody without incident.

Luken was arrested for Strong Armed Robbery, Battery, Disorderly Conduct, and a felony warrant.