The Ohio State Highway Patrol is mourning the loss recently of one of their successful and dedicated drug-detecting canines, Ringo, who had been with the Patrol since January 2000. K9 Ringo passed away on May 28, 2010. He retired from active duty in April 2009.
The Patrol says K9 Ringo, born in Holland in 1999, was an aggressive indication canine trained and certified in the detection of marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and their derivatives. He was certified in narcotics detection by both the Ohio Peace Office Training Council and the North American Police Work Dog Association.
K9 Ringo and his handler since April 2000, Tpr. Stacy Arnold, were not only utilized by the Patrol, but by other various federal and local law enforcement agencies upon request. In 2003 K9 Ringo was awarded the Recognition Award for Meritorious Service from the American Police Hall of Fame.
K9 Ringo currently holds the title of detecting the largest amount of ecstasy – 20 pounds (32,000 doses) – in Ohio history. During K9 Ringo’s tenure with the Patrol, he and his handler, Tpr. Arnold, seized $53,685,955.00 in total assets.
The following breakdown is an overview of K9 Ringo’s work:
Marijuana – 1,717 pounds – $9,551,656
Cocaine – 837 pounds – $38,040,909
Ecstasy – 20 pounds (32,000 hits) – $640,000
Heroin – 13.25 pounds – $2,600,000
Crack Cocaine – 51.2 grams – $7,680
Methamphetamine – 142.5 grams – $14,250
U.S. Currency – $2,488,195
Guns/Weapons – 24 – $5,765
Vehicles – 41 – $337,500
During one traffic stop, K9 Ringo made a single seizure of nine weapons – including a loaded AR-15 Assault Rifle, a loaded .12 Gauge Shotgun and three loaded handguns – approximately 1,214 rounds of ammunition, $1,283 worth of tactical gear, seven sets of license plates (including two stolen) and a Blasting Cap Detonator. This traffic stop resulted in the arrest of a male suspect en route from Colorado to New York. This suspect was ultimately found to be responsible for committing two armed bank robberies (using the seized items above) in the Austin, Texas area. The suspect plead guilty to all charges and received 17-and-a half-year sentence in Federal Prison.
K9 Ringo resided with his handler, Tpr. Arnold.
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