It is good news to learn that Mesa Police Officer John Lafontaine’s partner was not injured in the struggle with the "wanted" Robert Miles that ended in a freeway chase.Leon is his name, K-9 is his game. He has an honorable place as a unit dog for the Mesa Police Department, working along side his partner Officer John Lafontaine.Leon was the hero of the day when officers were not able to subdue 350 lb. Miles with beanbag rounds and a Taser gun shock. Leon, a 65 lb. 2 year old Belgian Malinois, went into action by clamping down on Miles arm. The struggle that Miles displayed, violently tossing Leon about didn’t hurt this K-9 at all, in fact he is used to it.The professional and skillful Leon demonstrated his police training; it could have been a lot worse for Miles as Leon is capable of applying 1200 lbs. of jaw pressure that will crush bones. Later that day it was off duty, affectionately muzzling his handler - Officer Lafontaine - and going home as a man does with his pet - or shall I say as a dog does with his owner.A happy ending for this team. Leigh Rivers, Chandler, a fellow Southeast Valley blogger alerted me yesterday that he had heard on the news the K-9 was okay. In this mornings East Valley Tribune an article appears with photo of Lafontaine and Leon, story by Art Martori.
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