Press Release September 19, 2022
“On September 8, 2022, our personnel responded to a residence located in the City Limits of Manchester, Ga. to assist the Manchester Police Department in a shooting investigation that had just occurred. As our personnel arrived in the area a perimeter was established in accordance with information provided by on scene MPD Officers. A possible direction of travel was provided that the perpetrator was believed to have gone. Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Deputy Jake Janovsky put our K-9 “Rico” on the ground in hopes of developing a track. Within a short period of time, “Rico” got on the track of the offender in this investigation. “Rico” while being on a lead line with his handler was able to locate the suspected shooter within approximately a block of the incident location. The offender was then taken into custody by MPD and MCSO units without further incident.” Sheriff Chuck Smith said.
“I appreciate the work done by our personnel and all agencies involved. It was a collaborative effort that resulted in a rapid apprehension of the murder suspect in this investigation. K-9 Deputy Jake Janovsky has put in extra time and effort with “Rico” which has honed his skills in several dimensions of his training and utilization. Manchester Police Chief Gray Couch has communicated to us of his appreciation for the assistance provided, especially toward our K-9 “Rico” and his handler. I want to publicly commend our K-9 Deputy Jake Janovsky and K-9 “Rico” on a job well done.” Sheriff Smith advised.
