City of North Bend release - The North Bend Police Department’s K9 team — K9 Athena and her handler, K9 Officer Martin — conducted a traffic stop that resulted in the arrest of a driver on multiple charges, including driving while suspended, possession of methamphetamine, and weapons violations.  According to K9 Officer Martin, the vehicle was stopped as part of routine patrol efforts to keep city streets safe. “K9 Athena once again demonstrated why a trained police K9 is such a valuable resource to this department and to our community,” K9 Officer Martin said. “Her work directly contributed to taking drugs and illegal weapons off the street.”  During the stop, officers determined the driver was driving while suspended (misdemeanor). Further investigation, assisted by K9 Athena, led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine and firearms. The driver, a convicted felon, was taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and felon in possession of a restricted weapon. The suspect was transported to the Coos County Jail.  “This was a solid example of teamwork between a K9 and her handler,” K9 Officer Martin said. “Our goal is always the same — to keep North Bend safe.”  The North Bend Police Department continues to prioritize proactive enforcement to reduce illegal drugs and weapons in the community.