Associates, city officials and members of the public gathered to commemorate 20 years since the store first opened its doors in 2005. As one of the largest employers in Wapakoneta, Walmart has consistently found ways to give back to the community that supports the store.
WAPAKONETA, OH (WLIO) - A minor is in critical condition after an incident with a gun in Wapakoneta Sunday morning.
Several area law enforcement agencies and Wapakoneta residents came together Friday morning to say their final goodbyes to a beloved retired Wapakoneta Police Department K-9. As a way to honor the life, legacy, and impact of their four-legged partner, K-9 Rico was greeted and visited one last time by his family of fellow police brothers and sisters as well as residents inside Wapakoneta City Council Chambers.
Officers responded to the area and set up a perimeter and attempts to contact the male subject were unsuccessful. The subject's mother also arrived on the scene and was able to make contact with the male, who did peacefully come out of the residence and agreed to get evaluated at a local hospital.
Police Chief Angel Cortes has confirmed that officer Tyler Dunlap has been put on paid administrative leave pending the result of a criminal investigation surrounding an incident on Sunday, June 19th that led to his arrest. That investigation will be conducted by the Wapakoneta Police Department.
According to the police department, the incident happened at the gas station at the corner of Willipie and Pearl streets after 6 p.m. A 21-year-old male from Lima had a gun go off, and the bullet went through his hand and through the arm of a 23-year-old female also from Lima. Both were taken to Mercy Health – St. Rita's for treatment. The case is still under investigation.
Rico, the department's K9, started his career back in 2011, helping sniff and chase down suspects. In his 9 years, he has served alongside his sidekick officer Joseph Welker for the past 9 years. According to the Wapakoneta Police Department Facebook page, he enjoyed some biscuits and belly rubs during his party, and will be enjoying retirement with the Welker family.
The Wapakoneta Police Department needs the public's help in catching a suspect that robbed a downtown bank Friday morning. The police department says a man walked into the Home Savings and Loan Bank right around 10:30 am. He was described as a white male around six feet tall and 200 pounds, he was wearing a silver wig, sunglasses and white mask at the time of the robbery.
A man is in custody after firing a weapon in an apartment complex Monday morning. The Wapakoneta Police Department say that they were called to the apartment building at 906 Magnolia Drive around 11 a.m. for shots fired.
Two lucky students from Wapakoneta Middle School got to see a day in the life of a police officer. The students followed around an officer from the Wapakoneta Police Department and saw the different training scenarios he goes through with his K9. A lucky assistant principal also took part in the day, helping out as the subject in one of the scenarios. K9 Rico is retiring after nine years. The officer is buying a new dog and the students wanted to help out. These two students were the lucky winners of a two-week contest that helped to raise funds for the officer's new dog.
