Officer's family pet helps nab burglary suspects

ATLANTA - A dog named Boris proved to be a real crime fighter in his Jefferson Park neighborhood.

Atlanta Police Sergeant Alan Gruen peered out the window of his East Point home to see what his dog was barking about.

“I noticed a black Jeep parked across the street,” said Gruen.

The sergeant didn't recognize the teens, dressed in all black, from the neighborhood.

They disappeared down the street and the Jeep took off in the opposite direction.

"I knew they were breaking into houses,” explained Gruen. “That's just my training from years of being a policeman.”

Gruen grabbed his radio and walked outside with Boris.

The duo quickly zeroed in on the teens and discovered they had broken into a house up the street. 

The sergeant contacted East Point dispatch about the possible burglary in progress.

"Two young kids come out of the house carrying a computer monitor, a tool box, and some stuff,” he explained. “So I told them I'm an Atlanta officer and you are both under arrest.”

One of the teens fled the scene, but East Point police caught up with him a short time later.

Police later discovered the Jeep was stolen. 

Neighbors took to Facebook praising both Gruen and Boris.

“I believe the dog, just his presence alone was enough to deter any physical activity.”

“I didn't want to have to fight anybody for sure,” said Gruen. “It worked out pretty good."