Shreveport Police K-9 Rudo Makes First Apprehension in Major Arrest

Shreveport has a new local hero with four paws and a very high work ethic! We are celebrating a major milestone for K-9 Rudo, who just earned his very first "big catch" while helping take a dangerous offender off our streets.

In the early morning hours of March 6th, Shreveport Police K-9 units were called in to assist the Louisiana State Police after a high-speed pursuit ended in a crash near Patzman and N. Western Street. The driver didn’t want to stick around, bailing from the car and disappearing into the thick brush of a wooded area, hoping the darkness would be his best friend.

Unfortunately for him, Rudo had other plans.

Rudo and his handler tracked the scent through thick briars behind a warehouse near N. Common Street. Along the trail, officers found the suspect’s "breadcrumbs"—a belt tangled in the bushes, shoes, and even a sock.

Rudo eventually gave a strong alert near a patch of thick bushes where the suspect was hiding, barefoot and hoping to be overlooked. When commands to surrender were ignored, Rudo was deployed to end the game of hide-and-seek.

The suspect, Matthew Lawson, is no stranger to the system, with a history involving armed robbery and kidnapping. He now faces a laundry list of new charges, including DWI, Aggravated Flight, and Illegal Possession of a Firearm.

This arrest marks Rudo’s first official apprehension, and if this night was any indication, this "rookie" has a long, successful career ahead of him. Huge shoutout to SPD and LSP for the incredible teamwork. Personally, I think this "lil guy" deserves the biggest steak in town.