OC Police’s Newest K-9 Tracks Suspect Wanted for Burglary, Assault

Image Courtesy of Ocean City Police Department

OCEAN CITY, Md. – The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) arrested a man wanted for assault with the assistance of one of their K-9 units in the early hours of Friday morning.

Police arrested 30-year-old Ernest Joseph Leatherbury III of Berlin on charges of third and fourth degree burglary, as well as second degree assault. He was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner, and is currently being held without bond at the Worcester County Jail.

At 1:19 a.m. on Mar. 27, officers were dispatched to the area of 83rd Street for a report of a disorderly male. Upon arrival, officers observed evidence of a physical altercation that had taken place
both inside and outside a residence. Police determined that the suspect, later identified as Leatherbury, and victim were acquaintances residing inside the residence together when an altercation occurred. Leatherbury was reportedly asked to leave, but he instead unlawfully reentered the unit. An additional altercation took place before he left the area on foot.

Police First Class (PFC) Bartrom and and K-9 Mackenzie responded to the scene, utilizing the scent from an item left behind by Leatherbury to begin a track. Demonstrating exceptional skill and focus, K-9 Mackenzie followed the path from the 8700 block of Coastal Highway, onto the beach, and south through multiple blocks and parking areas. The track ultimately led officers back toward the vicinity of the original incident. As officers converged on the area, Leatherbury was located inside a parked vehicle a short distance from where the track concluded.He was taken into custody without further incident.

“This incident is a great example of the strong teamwork between our patrol officers and K-9 unit,” said Chief Raymond J. Austin. “The coordination, communication, and professionalism displayed by all involved led to a swift and safe resolution. We are especially proud of PFC Bartrom and K-9 Mackenzie, whose tracking ability played a critical role in locating the suspect.”

K-9 Mackenzie is the department’s newest K-9, the first bloodhound in the agency’s history, and the first female K-9 to serve the department. She was donated to OCPD by Public Safety Dogs, Inc. to establish the department’s bloodhound program.