Hutto PD gets a bloodhound

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas - Williamson County authorities have a new tool to help them locate missing persons and wanted criminals.

The Hutto Police Department just hired a K-9 officer who happens to have a blood hound.

Officer Evan Fraley is a new member of the Hutto Police Department. He brought with him a huge asset to the city and beyond.

"I got her at 12 weeks old and she's been with me ever since,” he said.

While Fraley was working for the City of Galveston, the Jimmy Ryce Center donated bloodhound Raisin to the police department. 

In 1995, 9-year-old Jimmy Ryce was abducted, raped and murdered on his way home from school. His family raises money to donate for bloodhounds, which they feel may have saved their son, had a dog been brought in to search.

Fraley was the appointed handler of raisin. So when he transferred to Hutto, so did she.

"She's very versatile from finding missing kids to finding a criminal who has run as well,” said Fraley.

Fraley said she can pick up a scent from something as small as a toothpick. He simply directs her to an object and instructs her to find it.

"The amazing nose of a bloodhound. She just puts her nose down,” said Fraley.

FOX 7's Noelle Newton wanted to test her skills.

"We're going to set up a simulation of a trail. So if you went missing you're going to leave an item behind and you're going to go hide,” said Fraley.

Newton left her jacket at the front of the police department and hide out back behind the dumpster. Lots of smells there and high wind.

Raisin takes off. In a little over a minute she finds Noelle, even taking the same path.

She finds Noelle once more using the scent from  her makeup compact.

Fraley said Raisin's skills are invaluable.

"It's very difficult when you don't have a bloodhound to find a missing kid. Basically you rely on all of your officers driving in the area,” said Fraley. “You're just kind of on a wild goose chase. With her she can at least give direction."

Fraley said, Raisin is the only law enforcement bloodhound he's aware of locally. Hutto PD is happy to share.

"Any police department that needs us that we can drive to we'll be there,” said Fraley.

To donate to the Jimmy Ryce Center click here:  https://www.jimmyryce.org.