Fontana Pursuit Ends with Police K9 SuperDog Duke Jumping into Action / Corona CA 12.20.19

CORONA, CA — A high-speed pursuit that began in the early hours of the morning ended dramatically in the city of Corona with the suspect being apprehended by a police K9. The chase started just after midnight when officers from the Fontana Police Department attempted to stop a pickup truck for unknown reasons within city limits. The driver, however, refused to pull over, prompting a lengthy and dangerous pursuit.

The suspect led officers westbound on the 10 Freeway, speeding through several cities. The chase continued onto the southbound 57 Freeway as it moved into Orange County. Rather than slowing down, the suspect then transitioned to the eastbound 91 Freeway, entering Riverside County. As the vehicle approached the city of Corona, the suspect remained determined to flee and merged onto the southbound 15 Freeway.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) joined the pursuit and was able to successfully deploy a spike strip, which disabled at least some of the vehicle’s tires. Shortly after, CHP executed a precise PIT (Pursuit Intervention Technique) maneuver, which caused the truck to spin out and come to a stop on the southbound 15 Freeway near Ontario Avenue in Corona.

Despite the vehicle being immobilized, the suspect refused to surrender. Officers surrounded the truck and attempted to coax the individual out peacefully, but the suspect remained barricaded inside. In an effort to gain access and apply pressure, officers used less-lethal beanbag rounds to break the vehicle's windows.

This is when "Duke," a K9 officer with a growing reputation, was deployed. With the window shattered, Duke leaped into action—literally—by jumping through the window of the suspect’s vehicle. Once inside, Duke swiftly subdued the suspect, enabling officers to move in and place him under arrest.

Even after being taken down by the K9, the suspect continued to resist officers as they attempted to secure him. At one point, police had to deploy a Taser to gain full control. After finally being restrained, paramedics were called to the scene to evaluate the suspect for any injuries, particularly those caused by Duke during the takedown. The man was treated on-site but did not require transport to a hospital.

The suspect's identity and the reason for fleeing are still unknown at this time. Authorities have not released any details about outstanding warrants or possible charges, but multiple agencies are now involved in the investigation due to the pursuit spanning several jurisdictions.

Fontana Police, CHP, and Corona law enforcement agencies were all praised for their coordination and control during the extended and hazardous pursuit. However, it was Duke the K9 who stole the spotlight. The dog’s bravery and effectiveness in safely ending the standoff were widely recognized, and officers on scene referred to Duke as a true “hero.”

Incidents like this underscore the value of highly trained K9 units in law enforcement, especially when suspects pose ongoing threats or refuse to comply with officers’ commands. Duke’s intervention likely prevented further escalation or injury to officers.

The case remains under investigation, and more information about the suspect and the reasons behind the initial traffic stop may be released in the coming days. For now, the successful conclusion of the pursuit is being viewed as a win for public safety—thanks in large part to the swift actions of a determined police dog named Duke.