On Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at approximately 11:00 PM, a call was placed to LBPD reporting an attempted burglary in progress on Sixth Avenue.

Officer Omar Akel and K9 partner, Hades responded to the scene where the caller was able to give a general direction of travel for the suspect who had just fled. Hades is trained in narcotics detection as well as patrol work and is capable of tracking the freshest odor which has traveled through an area.

Officer Akel and Hades began to track the suspect and almost immediately, K9 Hades had indicated that he knew where the suspect was hiding. He led Officer Akel to an area with thick vegetation. Officer Akel announced himself and warned the suspect that his K9 partner was also present. Shortly after Akel asked the suspect to show himself and a male subject, fitting the description of the accused, surrendered and emerged from the vegetation with his hands up.

The suspect, identified as Ernest Mears of Long Branch, was arrested and charged with attempted Burglary and transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institution.

Officer Akel & K9 Hades are commended for their actions and outstanding teamwork in bringing the suspect swiftly to justice.