New video from Vancouver, Washington, shows K-9 Midas leaping through a vehicle window to end an approximately 40-minute standoff with a driver suspected of impaired driving. Officers attempted de-escalation, verbal commands, a 40mm less-lethal launcher and pepper balls before deploying the dog. Sgt. Ryan Starbuck said approaching the vehicle by hand posed unknown risks. Midas, with the department for about six years, was uninjured and was given a rest day.
Video: K-9 Midas Leaps Into Vehicle Window to End 40-Minute Standoff in Vancouver, Wash.
Video shows K-9 Midas flying into suspect’s vehicle
Newly released video shows K-9 officer Midas of the Vancouver Police Department leaping through a vehicle window to end an approximately 40-minute standoff with a driver suspected of impaired driving.
The sequence began after officers attempted to stop a motorist they believed was operating under the influence. Sgt. Ryan Starbuck told NewsNation an officer saw the driver using inhalants before driving recklessly, prompting a short pursuit and the subsequent prolonged standoff.
Officers first attempted de-escalation and repeated verbal commands and deployed less-lethal options, including a 40mm less-lethal launcher and pepper balls, but the suspect refused to exit the vehicle.
"When negotiations were no longer working at all, we had to deploy canine Midas as an apprehension and deterrent measure," Sgt. Starbuck said.
The video captures Midas leaping into the vehicle through a window as officers moved in to take the suspect into custody. Starbuck explained the decision to use the K-9 team by noting that approaching the vehicle by hand posed unknown risks: there could have been weapons, hazardous materials, or other threats inside.
Midas has served with the Vancouver Police Department for about six years. According to Starbuck, each K-9 team completes roughly 600 hours of patrol and narcotics training to earn base-team certification and then performs about 6.5 hours of maintenance training weekly to stay sharp.
Starbuck said Midas was not injured in the incident and was "on vacation" Friday. The department has released the video as part of transparency around the use of force and to illustrate the role trained K-9 teams can play when other tactics fail.
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