BRAINERD, Minn. (AP) — Authorities in Brainerd say a police dog is the reason a fleeing suspect is in custody.

Officers began pursuing the driver of a stolen all-terrain vehicle Tuesday. The 18-year-old suspect later ditched the ATV and fled on foot.

Brainerd Deputy Chief Mike Bestul says the Baxter Police Department’s dog, Gator, led officers to Rice Lake where the suspect was found submerged in the water with only his face above the surface.

Bestul tells The Daily Dispatch that Gator is “very much the reason” officers were able to find the suspect and make an arrest.

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