Celebrating 4 Pawsome Years: Our Top 4 K9 Karma Moments

Maricopa Police Department’s beloved K9 officer, Karma, turns four today. Karma, a Belgian Malinois, has been an invaluable member of the department since July 2021, assisting in numerous arrests.

Police Chief Mark Goodman shared, “Our community members love Karma.” He noted that locals frequently visit the station with treats for both human and canine officers. Goodman praised the care Karma receives, saying she is one of the most pampered police dogs he’s ever encountered.

October 17, 2023, marked one of Karma’s standout moments. Lawrence Bronson, 54, was apprehended after injuring Karma’s handler during a pursuit. The chase, which began on State Route 238, ended in Bronson’s garage after he refused to pull over. Bodycam footage reveals the intense struggle, with Karma biting Bronson’s upper thigh and eventually bringing him down. Bronson, now in custody, faces pending charges in Western Pinal Justice Court.

Another notable incident occurred on July 18, 2023, when Karma assisted in the arrest of Stanley J. Ulate. Ulate had provided a false name during a traffic stop and later assaulted an officer. Despite attempts to control him with a taser, it was Karma who managed to subdue Ulate. He faces multiple charges after breaking his release terms.

Karma’s keen senses were again on display on July 15, 2022. She helped officers twice in one month to find drugs on 31-year-old Raven S. Lopez. On the first stop, Karma detected 14 fentanyl pills and cocaine. Authorities stopped the same vehicle weeks later, and Karma led them to six more fentanyl pills in Lopez’s purse. Lopez missed her court date, leading to an arrest warrant, and her case remains pending.

In another significant event on December 3, 2021, Karma was crucial in apprehending Troy Jenkins. Jenkins, 35, resisted arrest while armed and wearing body armor. Despite taser deployment and commands, Jenkins only ceased resistance after receiving a sedative from medical personnel. He later pleaded guilty to resisting arrest in 2022.

As Karma celebrates her fourth birthday, the Maricopa community reflects on her contributions and looks forward to many more years of her dedicated service.