SUMMIT COUNTY — Summit County Sheriff's Office deputy Nathan Opsahl and his K9 partner Bobby received two awards for their exemplary service during a series of break-ins that took place in Breckenridge earlier this year. The Breckenridge Police Department and the National Police Canine Association recognized deputy Opsahl and Bobby for their assistance in locating and apprehending an individual suspected of burglarizing several Breckenridge businesses.

In the early morning hours of March 17, Opsahl responded to assist the Breckenridge Police Department in investigating a possible burglary in progress. Opsahl deployed Bobby to search the building, but the suspect was not located. During a review of the security tape to obtain a description of the suspect, an intrusion alarm was received from another nearby business.

Both agencies responded to the second alarm and observed the same suspect — later identified as Jason Oberg — hiding just inside the rear door. Oberg was ordered out of the building; but as soon as he exited the business, he began running. After issuing the standard canine announcement of “Police K9 unit, stop or I will release the dog. The dog will bite,” Opsahl released Bobby.

Bobby caught up with Oberg in a parking lot and bit him in the left arm. Oberg and Bobby fell and rolled down the hill as Bobby continued to try to get a good hold on Oberg's arm. Oberg punched Bobby twice in the side, then grabbed Bobby's jaw with both hands, attempting to break Bobby's jaw. Deputy Opsahl was eventually able to separate Oberg and Bobby, at which time Oberg began to cooperate and put his hands in the air. Breckenridge police then placed Oberg into custody and an ambulance was called to attend to Oberg's injuries.

Opsahl and Bobby were commended for chasing and apprehending a serial burglar fleeing from a commercial building during the commitment of a crime.