Suspect Apprehended by K9 Following Assault with a Deadly Weapon
September 4, 2025 – Madera County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Wednesday morning, Madera County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call regarding a stolen Freightliner and a reported assault in the area of Avenue 9 and Road 30.
This incident began when the owner of the truck, which had been reported stolen on September 1st, spotted the vehicle stuck in a field. Upon confronting the individuals at the scene, one of the suspects allegedly armed himself with a shovel and attempted to strike the vehicle’s owner.
Both suspects then fled on foot.
Officers from CHP - Madera successfully detained 37-year-old Eliza Martinez. However, 32-year-old Sean Deanda fled deeper into an orchard, prompting a perimeter to be established by responding Deputies.
Madera County Sheriff’s K9 Deputy Eliza Hernandez and her K9 partner, Canelo, were deployed to assist in the search.
Deanda was located hiding inside a building in the orchard on Avenue 10 ½.
After several announcements to surrender, K9 Canelo was deployed and successfully apprehended Deanda, who sustained a dog bite to his lower leg during the arrest, due to the severity of the charges and the risk he posed to public safety.
He was treated on scene by emergency medical personnel and later transported to Madera Community Hospital. No Deputies were injured during this incident.
K9 Canelo is one of several canines in the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, made possible through the generous support of the Madera County Sheriff’s Foundation. These community partnerships help fund highly trained K9 teams that play a vital role in public safety.
“Today’s response is another example of our Deputies’ professionalism and the vital role our K9 teams play in ensuring public safety,” said Sheriff Tyson Pogue.
Source & photos: Madera County Sheriff’s Office
