Photo: File photo of Corporal Buie and Canine Deputy Titan | Courtesy of Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office
On December 21st the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department announced the newest additions to the Canine Team Patrol Division.
The brave team who have received their certification to join the canine team are Corporal Buie (handler) and Canine Deputy Titan. Both Corporal Buie and Titan are specialized in suspect apprehension and narcotics detection specifically for cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin.
To get certified to join the canine team the handler’s has to master a strenuous 320-hour foundational course. This course includes Tactical Obedience, Tracking, Search Techniques, and Officer Protection.
The addition of Corporal Buie and Canine Titan makes 2 certified Canine Teams for the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department. They join fellow Canine Team members Sergeant Moser and Canine Nox. The teams are being assigned to opposite squads to maximize their availability to help with investigations and assist Deputies as needed.
Corporal Buie and Titan made their first arrest together on December 15th. While heading home after their shift Corporal Buie noticed a U-Haul truck speeding on Hartvickson Lane. There has been an increase in crimes involving U-Haul trucks recently. Corporal Buie began to pursue the vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop. He lost sight of the vehicle and began checking the area for the suspect vehicle. As he searched he noticed a U-Haul pull into a gas station and approached the driver in the parking lot.
Enrique Julian Espiritu (32) was arrested without further incident after Corporal Buie saw that he had outstanding warrants for failure to appear in Calaveras County, after running a records check.
Searches of Espiritu lead to the location of a knife which is a violation of his probation. When Titan was allowed to search the suspect’s vehicle he indicated to the presence of narcotics. Passenger Angela Rose Lindow (36) was given a citation, after Corporal Buie found drug paraphernalia on her person, and then released.
Also found in the vehicle were drug paraphernalia, 5 unknown pills, a baggie of methamphetamine, burglary tools, and a container with fentanyl items.
Espiritu is being held at the Calaveras County Jail and is being charged with Probation Violation, Burglary Tool possession, Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale, Unlawful Possession of Paraphernalia, and the 3 Outstanding Warrants.
If you would like to see the Canine Unit in action you can contact Lieutenant Greg Stark (209) 754-6783 to schedule a demonstration.
