2002 Patrol Case of the Year

Officer Patrick Eckley & K9 Ben
Howard County Police Department
Ellicott, Maryland

Police Chief Wayne Livesay Congratulates Officer Patrick Eckley

During the early morning hours of June 25, 2002, the Howard County, MD Police communications Center received several telephone reports of a woman screaming in an apartment complex. Patrol officers were dispatched to the complex to investigate.

On their arrival, patrol officers on foot and bicycle began searching to locate the source of the reported screams. While checking the area, officers located flip-flop style sandals and a key ring laying on the parking lot. PFC Patrick Eckley, Howard County, MD Police, and his police canine "Ben" arrived at the apartment complex to assist with the search.

After meeting with the investigating officer, PFC Eckley and "Ben" proceeded to the parking lot where the sandals and keys were found to attempt a track. PFC Eckley had "Ben" cast the area. Officers who had originally responded to investigate the source of the screams had contaminated the area.

"Ben" picked up scent at a grassy area at the edge of the parking lot and began to track into the adjacent woods. "Ben" followed the track into the wood line, which was overgrown with very dense vegetation. While going through this underbrush, PFC Eckley received numerous scratches and abrasions to his face, arms and hands. As "Ben" continued through the thick underbrush, his tracking became more intense. (The distance from the parking lot was approximately 75 yards.)

Suddenly, PFC Eckley observed a male subject lying on top of a female while strangling and sexually assaulting her. He ordered the suspect to show his hands and move away from the victim. The suspect stood up and PFC Eckley was able to see that he was not holding a weapon. Additionally, he observed that both victim and suspect were covered with blood. The victim, who was injured and disoriented, was between the K9 team and the suspect. PFC Eckley gave orders to the suspect, but he refused to comply.

Suddenly, the suspect attempted to escape by running deeper into the woods. PFC Eckley moved the victim to a safe position and immediately ordered the suspect to stop. The suspect continued to flee at which time, "Ben" was ordered to apprehend him. After a short distance, "Ben" bit and held the suspect. The suspect continued to resist the dog and PFC Eckley's attempt to place him in handcuffs. After a short struggle, the suspect was taken into custody.

The 17 year old victim had been stabbed twice in the chest and also sustained a fractured eye socket and jaw as well as other injuries. The investigation found that the suspect had accosted the victim as she was walking to her car. She was stabbed and dragged into the woods and during the course of the assault, the suspect dropped the knife. The suspect had numerous criminal convictions for violent crimes including rape and armed robbery. He also had several open warrants.

It is highly likely, due to the dense wooded location as well as the suspect's violent criminal history, the victim would have been murdered. PFC Eckley and "Ben" are a shining example of a K9 team's commitment, professionalism and dedication. They are commended for their actions that resulted in the removal of a violent criminal from the street.

Truly a Top Dog and a Top Team in a competition with a life in the balance.