ATWOOD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Atwood Police Department is praising the heroic efforts of one of their K9 officers, who not only helped apprehend a suspect with outstanding warrants but may have also saved the individual from life-threatening conditions due to frigid weather.

The incident unfolded Sunday night when officers from the Monticello Police Department conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, the suspect, who remains unidentified, managed to escape on foot. Authorities noted that the individual had a history of evading law enforcement and was wanted on active warrants.

“The Monticello Police Department and the Piatt County Sheriff’s Office efficiently established a perimeter and awaited the arrival of K9 support,” the Atwood Police shared on Facebook. “An Atwood Police Department K9, alongside a Monticello officer, commenced tracking the suspect.”