Dog catches Crooks | Crime

After trying to run from authorities, a Tuscaloosa man is in custody after being chased down by Nero, the county’s K-9 officer.

Deputies with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office arrived at a home on Ross Drive early Tuesday morning to serve a probation violation writ on Jonathan Crooks, 20. Crooks was wanted for violating his probation on prior burglary charges and in another case in which he is a suspect.

When sheriff’s deputies knocked on Crooks’ door, he opened it and then closed and locked it once he realized who was standing on his porch. Crooks escaped his home through a side window. A foot chase ensued, and deputies threatened to release their K-9 partner, Nero, if Crooks did not surrender.

Deputies released Nero who apprehended Crooks and detained him until deputies were able to take him into custody. He was taken to DCH Hospital and later to the Tuscaloosa County Jail. He remains there with no bond set.