05/28/2026
Officer Michael O'Donnell & K9 Blanca recognized in Canine Courier Magazine, Region 9, (Summer 2026)
Keene Police Department, NH
On March 16, 2026, at approximately 1913 hours, Keene Police Officers responded to 117 Main Street for the report of a disturbance, which resulted in one male pulling a knife on another. Responding officers quickly identified a suspect and began searching the area.
Officer Benjamin Wood located a male on the bike path between Island Street and Pearl Street who matched the suspect's description. The subject on the bike path was then identified as the suspect in a criminal threat.
The suspect ultimately began to physically resist arrest and was eventually taken into custody after a brief struggle. However, during the search of the suspect and his backpack incident to arrest, a knife was not located.
Officer O’Donnell and K9 Blanca were contacted off duty and were requested to respond to the area of the bike path where the suspect had been apprehended to conduct an article search.
K9 Blanca began working the area of the bike path, which was approximately 25 yards by 15 yards. K9 Blanca worked down the south side of the trail, crossed a foot bridge, and initially indicated on a quarter in the area where the suspect had been apprehended. She then crossed to the north side of the bike path and began working east. K9 Blanca again crossed the foot bridge and worked off trail into the bush, where she then indicated on a knife in a black sheath consistent with the knife described by the victim. The knife was secured as evidence.
The suspect was charged with Resisting Arrest/Detention, Criminal Threatening with a Deadly Weapon, due to placing the individual in fear of his life, Felon in Possession of a Dangerous Weapon, because of the manner in which the knife was used/ displayed, Possession of Controlled Drugs x2, Possession of Prescription Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Falsifying Physical Evidence.
