When danger knocked on a quiet Louisiana neighborhood’s door in the early hours of June 16, 2025, it wasn’t just bravery and precision that brought peace back—it was also the remarkable nose of one dedicated K-9.
What began as a routine response to a 911 hang-up call quickly turned into a high-stakes situation. Slidell Police Department (SPD) officers arrived at a home on Riviera Drive to find a domestic dispute unfolding. But as they attempted to calm the scene, 39-year-old Corey Griffin suddenly pulled a gun and fired at them. He then fled inside the house—where a sleeping child remained.
Despite the intensity of the moment, officers stayed composed. No one was injured in the gunfire, and thanks to swift coordination, the child was safely rescued. Griffin, however, vanished into the night, setting off a large-scale manhunt involving the SWAT team, drone operators, and K-9 units.
Griffin was eventually located in the rear seat of an abandoned vehicle, trying to evade capture. Officers arrested him without further incident. But even after the man was caught, a major piece of the puzzle remained missing: the firearm he used to shoot at the police.
Confident he had hidden it for good, Griffin smugly told investigators, “You’ll never find it.”
Enter K-9 Max.
With a heart full of determination and a nose second to none, Max got to work. Late that night, after an intense day of searching, Max zeroed in on the hidden gun. It was a jaw-dropping moment of skill and instinct—and a reminder that no one should ever underestimate the power of a well-trained dog.
The Slidell Police Department couldn’t be prouder. In their words: “Truly an amazing job! Good boiiiii Max!”
Since the discovery, K-9 Max has become something of a local hero. A photo capturing his triumphant moment went viral, and the video of him and his handler, Officer Zach Colgan, finding the weapon has warmed hearts everywhere. Though some parts of the clip are in Dutch—Officer Colgan’s command language of choice for Max—the pride and praise echo loud and clear.
In a world often marked by chaos and uncertainty, it’s comforting to know that sometimes, the hero wears fur and answers to “good boy.”
Because when justice calls, Max answers—one sniff at a time.
It was a textbook case of teamwork and professionalism. “This was an exceptional demonstration of teamwork, precision, and courage,” praised Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal. “I’m proud of every member involved and thankful that no one was injured in what could have been a tragic situation.”
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