Police dog sniffs out suspect hiding in closet

FRESNO — Thanks to the help of a furry crime fighter, a smalltime fugitive is now behind bars.

Elias Aguilar, 27, of San Joaquin, a city located west of Fresno, was arrested Tuesday afternoon after authorities received a tip that Aguilar was seated in a yellow truck parked near Colorado Avenue and Ninth Street in San Joaquin. Aguilar had an active warrant out for his arrest for stealing some unspecified property.

Once deputies arrived, the yellow truck was found unoccupied. Investigating deputies later learned that Aguilar was spotted climbing through a rear window of a nearby home and contacted the residence’s owners, reportedly acquainted with the suspect.

Along with the help of a police K-9 named “Oka,” officers discovered Aguilar hiding in an open bedroom closet. Authorities say Aguilar tried to resist arrest and was injured by Oka during the struggle.

Sheriff’s spokesman Chris Curtice didn’t know the specific circumstances that led to Aguilar becoming a wanted man.

“I don’t know the stolen property, but he had a felony and no-bail warrant (for) his arrest,” Curtice said.

Aguilar was booked on the felony warrant and a charge of resisting arrest, and booked into the Fresno County jail.

Elias Aguilar