Armed Robbery Suspect Apprehended by Slidell Police K-9

A Slidell Police canine is being credited for capturing an armed robbery suspect in less than a minute after committing the crime.

Shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, a woman frantically called 911 stating she was robbed at gunpoint at the Chase Bank ATM (3580 Pontchartrain Drive). Within a minute, Slidell Police canine officer, Jake Morris, and K-9 Kano, were on the scene.

Officer Morris located the suspect fleeing the area through the Chase Bank parking lot and ordered him to stop. The suspect refused, at which time K-9 Kano was released and apprehended the suspect as he was trying to jump a fence.

29-year-old, Derrick Head (Slidell, Louisiana), was taken into custody and charged with: Armed Robbery, Resisting an Officer, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Officers were able to locate the victim’s belongings, as well as the firearm used during the robbery. It was discovered that Head was on parole for another armed robbery he committed in Orleans Parish back in 2009.

Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal says, “Some call it luck, skill, or being at the right place at the right time, either way, it is a good day when we can catch an armed robber in less than a minute after the committing the crime. This suspect is now where he belongs, behind bars, and hopefully will never have the opportunity to rob anyone ever again.”

Head was treated at a local hospital for a dog bite and is currently being housed at the Slidell City Jail. Head will ultimately be transferred to the St. Tammany Parish Jail. If convicted of armed robbery, Head faces a maximum penalty of 99 years in prison.