Police Dogs Catch Man Who Stole Refrigerated Semi-Truck With More Than GBP 150,000 Worth Of Food

A man who stole a refrigerated semi-truck with more than GBP 150,000 worth of food has been jailed after he was caught by a couple of police dogs.

Police in the city of Ocala, Florida State, USA, arrested Alain Marti-Rosell, 39, after they were alerted about a stolen semi-truck at around 10.40pm on Sunday, 9th April 2023.

Since the vehicle was equipped with a GPS tracker, officers located Marti-Rosell through the Berkshire Oaks Plaza, more than two miles from where he had stolen the truck.

But when officer Barker attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the 39-year-old got out of the vehicle and ran into a walled retention pond area.

Cops then brought in police dogs Brinkley and Diesel to track him down.

Soon after the dogs spotted Marti-Rosell waist-deep in the water near a dense thicket of trees, who police claimed had his back turned towards them.

The Ocala Police Department said in a statement obtained by Newsflash: "With his hands hidden from view, Officer Brinkley commanded K-9 Diesel to take action, leading to a swift and successful apprehension.

"The stolen semi-truck and refrigerated trailer contained fresh seafood and meats worth over USD 200,000 [GBP 159,850].

"Officers also discovered the lock on the trailer had been cut and a box of tuna fish opened."

The offender - who police discovered was not a US citizen - was taken to the hospital where he was treated for a dog bite, after which he was transported to Marion County Jail.

He was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, grand theft of cargo valued at USD 50,000 (GBP 39,957) or more, grand theft, dealing stolen property, and resisting without violence.

The Ocala Police Department thanked everyone involved in the operation for the successful mission.