K9 Rhino Helps Jasper PD Sniff Out Meth During Traffic Stop

JASPER COUNTY — When a Jasper Police Department officer suspected a driver might be hiding narcotics during a traffic stop on Monday afternoon, October 20, 2025, he called for backup — and the help of a four-legged partner whose nose doesn’t miss a thing.

Lieutenant Chad Ainsworth with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and his K9 partner Rhino responded to assist at Highway 190 and Main Street. The driver had refused consent to search the vehicle, prompting the JPD officer to request a K9 sniff.

Rhino was deployed for an exterior sniff and quickly alerted to the odor of narcotics, giving officers probable cause to search. During that search, the JPD officer discovered approximately 6.7 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

The driver, identified as Mitchell Knight, 54, of Jasper, was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance PG1 >4G <200G (Felony 2).

Sheriff Chuck Havard praised the joint effort between departments, noting how cooperative work continues to keep Jasper County safer.

“We appreciate our relationship with Chief Foster and the officers with Jasper PD,” Havard said. “This kind of collaboration keeps our community safer.”

Way to go, Rhino — proving once again that this K9’s nose knows.