Video shows police dog sniff out criminal in bush after he fled from police

A police dog was instrumental in the snaring of a dangerous driver who had fled from police and hid in a bush after a pursuit. Jack Williamson, 29, was jailed for 14 months at Nottingham Crown Court on November 4 after reaching speeds of 70mph in 30mph streets on Saturday, September 14, around Sutton-in-Ashfield.

Ineligible to drive because of a previous disqualification, he drove off when police began to follow his vehicle on the day in question, driving on the wrong side of the road, mounting a kerb and running red lights in the process. He eventfully got far enough away from officers to ditch his car in a pub car park on Alfreton Road and ran off.

But police dog Seth, led by his handler, sniffed the unlocked driver's side of the car and then led the handler to where he smelt Williamson, of Farnsworth Grove, Huthwaite, was hiding some distance away. Once located, PD Seth, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois, gets a toy as a reward for his exemplary work.

A fascinating video, commentated by Sergeant Nick Dachtler of Nottinghamshire Police's dog section, shows PD Seth's movements. Williamson surrendered once found and was led to a police car.

Sgt Dachtler said: “This was an excellent example of a successful track for a suspect. In cases like these where vehicles are involved the handler will pay particular attention to driver’s side as it’s primarily the driver we want to catch up with.

“Once a scent has been established the handler will let the dog lead while keeping it under control on a long lead. They will then look for changes in the dog’s behaviour and position as it follows its nose.

“Once a suspect is in sight the handler will then switch from tracking mode to compliance mode – using the threat of the dog to keep a suspect in position while other officers bring the suspect under control. Once that control is established the handler will then reward the dog with its ball and give him plenty of praise for a job well done.

“Seth is still a young dog but he’s made a fantastic start to his police career. What made this particular track so impressive was that it was carried out in and around a busy road with so much passing traffic. All in all he is a really great dog and we’re lucky to have him and his handler as part of our team.”