Police Dog Helps Catch Suspected Killer in Echo Park

A police dog sniffed out a homicide suspect who bailed out of a car in Echo Park today.

"The suspect was arrested shortly after noon," Los Angeles police spokeswoman Chris No said. "The K-9 sniffed out where he was, and officers took him into custody without further incident."

The hourlong drama began about 11 a.m. near Temple and Bonnie Brae streets when police tried to make an "investigative stop" on the suspect's car, said Los Angeles police Sgt. Todd Cataldi of the Rampart Station.

"I believe the vehicle was recognized as one that was involved in a murder, so the officers involved tried to stop the car," Cataldi said. "But the suspect drove on until he reached this neighborhood. Then he bailed out of his car near the corner of Bonnie Brae Street and Sunset Boulevard and ran into an apartment building."

LAPD spokesman Officer Chris No said the pursuit was initiated by Rampart detectives.

Police declined to name the suspect. He was described only as an Hispanic male with a shaved head, wearing a black tank top and shorts.

Metro Division brought in a K-9 unit which located the man, No said.

No information about the underlying crime was made available pending booking.

—City News Service