Would-be Robbers Break into K-9 Facility, Collared by Dogs

By Anastacia Mott Austin

Three likely thieves made one mistake after another when they decided to break into a police K-9 unit training facility Wednesday.

Paul Perry, 39, Pamela Puckett, 37, and Marc Black, 18, thought it’d be a great idea to try to steal copper pipes and wiring from what they thought was an abandoned building in northern Georgia.

Rising prices for copper have motivated burglars of late to steal pipes, wiring, and any other items for quick resale.

Apparently the three did not pay attention to the several signs posted outside the building that said, "Caution!! Gainesville Police Department K-9 Training Facility – Keep Out!" One would think that even the words "Police Department" would have served as deterrent.

But the supposed burglars were surprised by the police officer dog trainers who arrived Wednesday afternoon for scheduled K-9 instruction sessions with their dogs. The officers found the three in the process of taking apart copper pipes in the building.

Already (allegedly) guilty of not using their heads by ignoring the posted signs, the three intruders took off running.

Hall County sheriff’s sergeant Kiley Sargent – that would be Sergeant Sargent – told reporters, "For anyone to try to run from a whole unit of canines, it’s just a no-win situation."

Indeed, Puckett admitted defeat immediately and was arrested at the scene. Black was tracked by the dogs to a convenience store near the facility, and Perry was also arrested at the scene. In addition, Perry received a superficial dog bite on the buttocks and was treated for the wound at a local hospital.

Sgt. Sargent was surprised that the thieves didn’t heed the signs outside. "It’s not like it was a secret," he told reporters. "I guess someone who is that determined to steal something might not pay attention."

Bad robbers!

The three will face charges of burglary, and the two who ran from the scene will also be charged with misdemeanor obstruction of justice. No charges have been filed for blatant stupidity while in the process of committing a crime.