Handler – Deputy Justin Nelson
Rowan Sheriff’s K-9 passes away after nearly ten years of service
Since 2009, Rowan County Sheriff’s Office K-9 “Ike” has been on the beat across the county, but now he is at rest. Ike passed away from medical issues this week, according to Sheriff Kevin Auten. During his time on the street Ike and his handler Deputy Justin Nelson were involved in more than 500 calls. More than 300 times Ike’s highly trained nose was used to sniff out illegal drugs. Ike was on the trail of more than one hundred suspects wanted in various crimes, gave dozens of demonstrations in the community, and has also been responsible for finding missing and endangered children. Sheriff Auten says the department would like to get another K-9 to replace Ike. Anyone interested in making a donation to defray the costs is asked to contact the Rowan Sheriff’s Office at 704-216-8700.