Redmond PD’s new drug-sniffing K-9 off to strong start

The Redmond Police Department’s newest K-9 team already has a hefty drug bust under its collar.

The agency on Thursday publicly introduced its newest drug-detection dog, Rogue, partnered with Officer Josh Zundel.

The partners recently completed several weeks of certification training, administered by a master trainer at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

“Officer Zundel and K-9 Rogue are now certified and are working together to make Redmond the safest community in Oregon,” Redmond police Lt. Curtis Chambers said in a news release.

Case in point: Around 10 p.m. Tuesday, Zundel and Rogue helped another Redmond officer on a traffic stop near Southwest 25th Street and Pumice Avenue, Chambers said.

K-9 Rogue alerted to the presence of controlled substances in the vehicle, and it was searched. The driver, Madras-area resident Jimmy Burkhart, 27, was arrested after a concealed handgun was found in the car, Chambers said.

After his arrest, more than 22 grams of methamphetamine and about $600 in cash also were located, Chambers said. Oregon law defines a commercial quantity of methamphetamine as any amount over 10 grams.

“K-9 Rogue is off to a great start,” Chambers said. “The Redmond Police Department is very excited about having another drug-detection dog to utilize in drug investigations.

“Drug possession, addiction and sales are directly responsible for approximately three-quarters of the property crimes committed in Redmond. Proactive policing, when staffing and workload allows, leads to these type of arrests.

“Holding those who sell controlled substances accountable for the harm they cause in our city is yet another example of how your Redmond Police Department is working to make Redmond the safest community in Oregon,” Chambers said. “Welcome K-9 Rogue!”