K-9 unit may return to Laguna Beach...

K-9 unit may return to Laguna Beach

The police department is hoping to bring a K-9 unit back to Laguna

Beach. The department has not had a police dog for the past two

years, after Max and his handler, Manny Nunez, retired from service.

A canine on the force is beneficial because it is capable of doing

things that police officers cannot, said Capt. Paul Workman. The

dogs’ sense of smell is far better than a human’s and the dogs can be

trained to search for drugs or explosives.

“A police K-9 is just another tool in our toolbox when it comes to

fighting crime,” Workman said. “The more tools we have, the better

job we can do.”

Having a K-9 unit is an expensive undertaking that includes dog

and officer training and special police car modifications, Workman

said. Starting up a K-9 program will cost about $55,000, Workman

said.

The state does not provide funding for the dogs or the necessary

training, Workman said. Previous Laguna K-9 units have been funded

largely by community donations. Currently, Workman estimates the

department has raised $7,000 toward the K-9 program. For information

in supporting the K-9 program, call Workman at (949) 497-0389.

Man suspected of molesting minor

Police arrested a Long Beach man on suspicion of molesting and

having sex with a minor early Saturday morning on Main Beach, said

Sgt. Darin Lenyi.

Police said the 23-year-old suspect was arrested in the grass

park area of Main Beach, but they declined to give further details.

“It is connected with an ongoing investigation, so police are

unable to comment on the details of this crime,” Lenyi said.