K9 Eros Captures Wanted Roseburg Man Hiding Under Bridge After Dramatic Foot Chase

ROSEBURG, Ore. — After evading police by hiding under a bridge, a 26-year-old Roseburg man wanted by his parole officer was detained by Eros, a 5.5-year-old German Shepherd K9 officer attached to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), before being taken into custody on Wednesday.

DCSO indicated that on Wednesday, shortly before 6:00 p.m., a Roseburg officer observed Kai Preston Valente walking on S.E. Pine Street.

The officer attempted to stop Valente, knowing he was wanted by his Parole Officer. A foot pursuit ensued after Valente ran despite being told he was under arrest. He was eventually found hiding under a bridge with a steep embankment underneath.

Despite K9 Eros, who has worked at DSCO since November 2021, being dispatched to the incident, Valente continued to be non-compliant, ignoring numerous law enforcement commands.

Following several warnings from officers about the dog’s presence and what would happen if he was released, K9 Eros was deployed and took control of Valente.

Valente was taken into custody and lodged in the Douglas County Jail on the Parole Violation and a charge of Escape III.

K9 Eros was purchased by an anonymous donor in the community and gifted to the DCSO K9 program, initiated in 2013.

The program consists of three Patrol K9 teams and one narcotic detection K9 team. Private donations and the Friends of Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs support the program financially. Bailey’s Veterinary Clinic provides medical care and some food for the K9 division, while Coastal Farm and Home Supply provides all other food.