Missing Miami Beach Police K-9 found safe

CUTLER BAY, FLA. (WSVN) - A Miami Beach Police K-9 officer who went missing, Thursday morning, has been found safe.

Several hours after police agencies across South Florida asked for the public’s help in finding Colt, a Miami Beach Police K-9 in training, he was located and reunited with his handler, Officer Angulo.

According to police, Colt, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, had last been seen at 2 a.m., near the intersection of 213th Street and Southwest 92nd Avenue. He was found safe, just after 1 p.m.

Colt had just returned home from training when he escaped through the front door. “Once they went inside of the home, apparently, the front door wasn’t completely closed,” said Miami Beach Police officer Ernesto Rodriguez. “At the end of the day, no matter how much training you put into these dogs, a dog is a dog. He has a brain, and he has four paws, and he bolted out that front door.”

Officers from at least six different agencies combed through the Cutler Bay neighborhood, all morning, going door to door, in a desperate search for Colt.

“He is very valuable,” said Rodriguez.

“We need to ensure that he is reunited and back on the force, so he can protect the community,” he added.

Colt had a cone around his neck and a splint on his back, left paw due to a toe amputation, noted Rodriguez.

The Belgian Malinois is also more than just an invaluable police officer, he is a family pet, who is loved by his trainer. “Not only is he with him day-in and day-out, he’s also obviously a part of the family,” said Rodriguez about the bond between the officer and Colt. “He comes home with him, so that bond is very close.”

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