’23 RECAP: K9 Karma Highlight Reel

Editor’s note: All statements of fact are attributable to probable cause statements obtained from the Maricopa Police Department.

The last year was a busy one for K9 cop Karma, a Belgian Malinois police dog who serves as a valued member of the Maricopa Police Department. Here are some of the officer’s exploits:

K9 made drug bust Feb. 8 — K9 Karma uncovers red straw, white residue and blue pills in traffic stop 

A nighttime traffic stop led to the arrest of a man on multiple drug-related charges.
MPD stopped Muktar M. Giundi, 37, near Fry’s Marketplace in a silver Chevrolet Malibu with expired tags.

When Giundi denied a search of the vehicle, the officer deployed Karma for an “open-air sniff.” A positive alert to narcotics gave the cops probable cause to search the vehicle.

Thanks to Karma’s detective work, the officer found a container with 35 fentanyl pills, a red straw, burnt tinfoil and a glass pipe with meth residue. MPD arrested Giundi on charges of possessing dangerous drugs and paraphernalia.

K9 mauled cop fighter July 18 — WATCH: K-9 mauls cop fighter who gave fake name 

Stanley J. Ulate, 20, learned a lesson in “Karma” early one summer morning after a warrant check escalated into a tussle with police.

During a stop for a registration violation near North John Wayne Parkway and Cobblestone Farms, Ulate, who was a passenger in the vehicle, gave cops a bogus name. Officers figured out his real identity and while they checked for warrants, Ulate resisted detainment and allegedly struck one officer in the face. Police tried to tase him but failed.

During the scrap, Karma bit Ulate, subduing him as he was handcuffed. While in custody, Ulate spit in the K9 handler’s face.

MPD arrested Ulate on charges of aggravated assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest by fighting and false reporting.

K9 avenged her handler Oct. 17 — K9 subdues man who injured cop 

Police arrested 54-year-old Lawrence Bronson after he allegedly attacked an officer while resisting arrest.

Cops tried to stop Bronson’s yellow sedan sporting expired tags near State Route 238 and Costa Brava Drive late at night. Police said Bronson ignored flashing lights and sirens and led them on a chase through Acacia Crossings, eventually pulling into a garage at West Miramar Drive.

As he stepped out, cops told Bronson he was under arrest and gave him commands to turn around and place his hands behind his back. According to police, Bronson ran away in an “aggressive manner” and refused to get on the ground.

As three cops tried to tackle Bronson to the ground, he attacked Officer Jake Gomez, bruising and lacerating his arm and knee. Karma avenged her human partner as she subdued Bronson, who continued to resist arrest until succumbing to the dog’s powerful jaws.