VIDEO: K9 tracks down burglary suspect hiding in mud to evade capture
Pierce County K9 captures burglary suspect buried in the mud
A Pierce County Sheriff's K9 has only been on duty for a couple of months but but he is already proving his skill at tracking. One of three home burglary suspects found that out the hard way when he tried to hide from K9 Bronco by burying himself in the mud.
ROY, Wash. - UPDATE (4/30/25): Pierce County Prosecutors say a jury returned two verdicts yesterday from a home burglary in Roy. Son Yun Kim, pictured below, and Solomon Blue Tucker were both found guilty.
The homeowner confronted the suspects on January 30, 2024, who took off running. One of them was caught by K9 Bronco after trying to cover himself in grass and mud.
When detectives searched their vehicle, they found a blue pillowcase filled with the homeowner's cell phone and watch, two guns, stolen jewelry and driver's licenses, banking information for numerous people, a notebook filled with addresses, social security numbers and places of employment for multiple victims.
Son Kim was found guilty of Burglary 1st Degree with a Firearm Enhancement.
Solomon Blue Tucker was convicted for Burglary 1st Degree with a Firearm Enhancement, two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, three counts ID Theft in the 2nd Degree, two counts of Possession of Stolen Property 2nd Degree and one count of Witness Tampering. He was acquitted of one count of Residential Burglary. He remains locked up without bail.
Sentencing for both men is set for July 3rd.
The getaway driver, Miranda Bonifield, pleaded guilty in June of last year.
ORIGINAL STORY (2/6/24):
Three people have been arrested, thanks, in part, to a Pierce County Sheriff's Department K9 who helped track one of the suspects trying to stay hidden in a muddy marsh.
On Jan. 30 around 3 p.m., deputies responded to the area of 302nd St. Ct. S in Roy for reports of a home burglary.
The homeowner interrupted them mid-burglary, and the suspects quickly left and drove off.
However, the car got stuck in the mud on someone's lawn as they tried to escape. The woman driving the car stayed at the scene but two men ran off.
Deputies were able to quickly arrest and detain one suspect, but another had gotten out of their view.
They deployed K9 Bronco to track the man down.
K9 tracks down multiple burglary suspects
One person tried to hide in an area with tall grass, but was tracked down by K9 Bronco
He was found shortly after in an area with tall grass and mud. Deputies say it appeared he tried to hide himself among the brush by covering himself in grass and mud.
He was detained and taken into custody.
All three suspects were charged with one count of residential burglary. They were identified as Miranda Bonifeld, Solomon Blue Tucker and Son Kim. Kim was the suspect located by K9 Bronco.
Tucker and Kim's bonds were set at $100,000 and $150,000, respectively.
More charges could be filed.