A police department went viral after asking the public's opinion on how to handle a case featuring an adorable suspect and a hungry officer as the victim.
Wyandotte Police Department in Michigan, US, exposed K9 Ice, a German Shepard with a track record of busting multiple criminals, after he stole the sandwich of one of his colleagues.
The dog became the main suspect in the "case" after a police officer realised his half-eaten lunch had vanished while Ice was exiting the break room "licking his chops".
In a January 12 post on social media, the police department publicised the hilarious and charming incident, attracting thousands of reactions.
It said: "The incident happened two days ago at the station. Officer Barwig was eating lunch in the break room when he was called to assist with a person in the WPD jail.
"He quickly jumped into service, leaving his half-eaten lunch on the table.
"A short while later Barwig and another officer returned to the break room only to find Ice leisurely strolling out of the room licking his chops. Barwig's entire lunch was gone... disappeared, vanished."
The police said the cheeky pup, which has 11 years of service under his belt, "has invoked his fifth amendment right to remain silent and quite frankly is not cooperating with the investigation".
They added that Ice "has a history of rummaging through trash cans". and that he has been accused in the past of "taking food right from coworker's hands as they walk by".
Police turned to the department's social media followers to give verdicts and thousands of users replied in support of the pup.
Lawyers even offered to defend the dog "pro bone-o", and locals sent treats and food for Ice as well as for other officers.
In a later post, the department said: "We have been threatened with massive protests if we move forward with our investigation and/or charges. Plus the overall public just doesn’t believe he is guilty."
Over his 11 years of service, Ice reportedly has assisted with multiple investigations, including finding over a kilo of heroin in a wall in a house, and finding suspects in hiding.
Ultimately, the veteran dog was let off, after winning the hearts of hundreds.
The 'victim' in the alleged stealing, officer Barwig told WXYZ-TV: "Yeah, I forgive him. He has done a lot of good for the city. And maybe he deserves a sandwich. Maybe not my sandwich, but maybe a sandwich".
