.A police Rottweiler named Rex has helped officers arrest a 32-year-old suspect following a shoot-out and vehicle chase in Bekkersdal, reports Randfontein Herald.

The drama unfolded earlier this week on Monday (August 24) when members of the West Rand Flying Squad spotted a stolen Volkswagen Polo and followed it along Watermeyer Street.

West Rand Flying Squad spokesperson Karen du Plessis says the suspect allegedly opened fire on officers during the pursuit, with one bullet striking the police vehicle.

The Polo later crashed, prompting one suspect to flee on foot into the bushes, where he allegedly discarded a firearm.

Members of the visible policing unit arrested a second suspect.

With the other suspect still at large, K9 handler Sergeant David Phandela and his Rottweiler, Rex, were called in.

Rex picked up the fleeing suspect’s trail and tracked him through the area before tackling him. The suspect sustained bite wounds to his left ankle and right wrist.

Phandela, who has served in the K9 Unit for 17 years, says police dogs are only released as a last resort when officers are dealing with serious offences.

The Volkswagen Polo had been reported stolen by its owner earlier that morning.

Du Plessis thanks members of the community for remaining vigilant and assisting police in locating the suspect.

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