Stalking Suspect Captured By Sheriff’s Office K9

May 16, 2008
Contact: Sgt. Matt Alsaker Phone: 608-284-6155 Fax: 608-284-6043
Sheriff's Office

Madison, WI – Friday, May 16, 2008 – At 6:40 pm, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to an address near Donald County Park in the Town of Springfield for an unwanted person. The victim reported an ex-boyfriend, Robert McGinnis (44) of Madison, was outside of her residence. McGinnis fled on foot into nearby Donald County Park. Deputies secured a perimeter around the park. Deputy O’Neil and his K9 partner, Thor, were paged from home to locate McGinnis. Thor tracked McGinnis into Donald County Park. The terrain was swampy and wooded. Thor located both of McGinnis’ shoes, which McGinnis lost while fleeing. Approximately 10 minutes into the track, Thor’s behavior began to change. This indicated to Deputy O’Neil they were near McGinnis. Deputy O’Neil gave warnings for McGinnis to surrender. McGinnis immediately complied and walked out of the heavy brush. McGinnis was booked into the Dane County Jail on charges of Stalking and Disorderly Conduct. Deputy O’Neil has more than 18 years of law enforcement with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. He has been a K9 handler for more than 10 years. Thor is a two-year-old German Shepherd and is O’Neil’s second K9 partner.