K-9 Zoro tracks suspect hiding in tall grass after Myrtle Creek burglary call

A K-9 with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office is being credited with tracking down a burglary suspect. READ MORE | Portlanders in Sellwood say skunks are taking over yards, spraying pets At approximately 10:40 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, deputies responded to a burglary in progress at a home in Myrtle Creek. 'The caller advised there were two males inside the residence at the location and a female associated with a black 2007 Honda Fit who fled after she was confronted,' the agency said. When deputies arrived, a resident said two males had been inside, with one leaving on foot and the other possibly still inside. Officials say K-9 Zoro entered the home after deputies made several announcements that a dog was coming inside. 'K-9 Zoro conducted a search of the residence and did not locate anyone inside,' the sheriff's office said. 'Deputies then began searching the surrounding property for the fleeing suspect.' Zoro and his handler were searching a large field when Zoro picked up a scent, according to the sheriff's office. 'After approximately 15 yards, a male later identified as 50-year-old Tommy Coggswell of Canyonville suddenly stood up from the tall grass with his hands raised,' the sheriff's office said. 'K-9 Zoro began barking at Coggswell until deputies took him into custody without further incident.' Zoro continued searching for a second suspect but did not find anyone. 'While responding, deputies located the Honda Fit and conducted a traffic stop,' the sheriff's office said. 'Deputies detained the driver, 45-year-old Amber Leigh Cates of Canyonville.' Officials say Cates was later arrested. Both Cates and Coggswell were taken to the Douglas County Jail. Cates has been charged with conspiracy to commit a Class C felony and unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Coggswell faces a charge of second-degree burglary. Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at 541-440-4471 and reference case No. 26-2801.