Jeannette police K-9 assisted Penn officers in drug arrest

A Jeannette police dog helped Penn Township officers find a stash of marijuana in the trunk of a parked car after the vehicle's alleged owner fled the scene on Dec. 3 when approached by police, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

The K-9, Arees, and Officer Jim Phillips unsuccessfully tracked suspect Neil Richard Mihelich, 29, after he fled on foot at 1:15 a.m. from outside of his Level Green home after Penn Township Officer Lewis Lock approached Mihelich as the suspect was bent over his car's trunk, Lock reported in the affidavit.

Arees later indicated that narcotics were in the trunk, police said. Investigators seized a “large amount” of marijuana packaged in six gallon-sized plastic bags. Arees and Phillips were recognized by Jeannette officials during a council meeting Wednesday for their assistance.

Mihelich was arraigned this week on charges of possession with intent to deliver, escape, drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is free on $25,000 unsecured bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 31.