K-9 Zoro Leads Deputies to Man Hiding in Field After Myrtle Creek Home Break-In
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — Zoro, a member of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, helped arrest a suspected burglar after tracking him in a field in Myrtle Creek late Saturday night.
A report of a burglary in progress at a private home in the 1000 block of North Gazley Road was received at 10.40 p.m.
The Sheriff’s Office was told that there were two men inside the residence, and that a woman had fled the scene in a black Honda after she was confronted.
On arrival, deputies were told by the victim that there was a male inside the home, and that another male suspect had fled on foot.
Zoro, an eight-year-old black German Shepherd, was tasked with searching the premises after repeated warnings to vacate the premises fell on deaf ears.
After a thorough search of the premises, Zoro was unable to locate any human presence.
Once outside, Zoro led his handler to a large field and began tracking north. After a short distance, he indicated a fresh human scent in tall grass.
Zoro then continued tracking east when a male suddenly stood up from the tall grass, hands raised, amid loud barking by Zoro.
- 10:40 p.m. : Deputies are dispatched to the reported burglary.
- While responding : Cates is detained after deputies locate the Honda.
- At the home : Zoro searches the residence but finds nobody.
- Outside : Zoro tracks through a field and locates Coggswell hiding in tall grass.
- Afterward : Deputies continue searching, but the second male suspect is not found.
The suspect was identified as 50-year-old Tommy Coggswell of Canyonville, who was taken into custody without incident.
Deputies located the Honda and detained and later arrested Amber Leigh Cates (45), of Canyonville.
The second male suspect was not found.
Cates has been charged with conspiracy to commit a Class C felony and the unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Coggswell has been charged with second-degree burglary.
This is an ongoing investigation, and anyone with further information should call 541-440-4471 and reference case #26-2801.