New KDPS K-9 unit scores first drug arrest

KALKASKA – Just days after completing a five-week training course, the Kalkaska Department of Public Safety’s new K-9 unit recorded its first drug-related arrest.

Officer Cole Nagy and his new K-9 partner, “Teska,” recently completed a five-week training course in Eaton Rapids, where Teska earned multiple certifications in narcotics tracking, human tracking, building and vehicle searches and article searches.

“She’s certified and ready to go,” Nagy said on Nov. 4, while updating members of the Kalkaska Village Council.

And, Teska, a German shepherd from Poland, quickly put her training to good use.

During a traffic stop on Wednesday, Nov. 6, near the intersection of Cedar and Hyde streets, the new K-9 unit reportedly discovered nearly 16 grams of crystal methamphetamine, along with $990 in cash.

According to reports, the drugs and cash were allegedly found in a vehicle driven by a 29-year-old Pontiac man, Steven Vining.

Vining was arraigned in the 87th-B District Court in Kalkaska on charges of delivery, manufacture and possession of methamphetamine, as well as obstructing justice. He is being held in the Kalkaska County Jail, with bond set at $30,000.

According to KDPS officials, the arrest was the first for the new law enforcement duo. Teska is currently the only police K-9 in use by a local police agency within Kalkaska County.

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