Criminal's tail-wagging Labrador leads police to his hiding spot after he abandoned pooch while fleeing officers

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By SHANNON MCGUIGAN, NEWS REPORTER

Published: 18:03 EDT, 18 August 2026 | Updated: 19:11 EDT, 18 August 2026

A criminal's labrador led police to its owner's door after being abandoned by the disqualified driver as he fled from police.

Charles Foy, 41, was spotted riding an e-scooter – a vehicle that can't be insured and is illegal to use on public roads - by a patrol officer in February 2026. 

A 'considerable smell of cannabis' was emanating from the man, who was riding with two dogs running alongside him at the time, Warrington Magistrates' Court heard.  

The officer signalled Foy to pull over based on these observations but the brazen criminal ignored requests. 

The 41-year-old attempted to flee by riding down cul-de-sacs and narrow alleyways, and abandoned a labrador behind who couldn't keep up with the e-scooter.  

But the quick-thinking officer hopped out of his car and decided to follow the adorable tail-wagging pooch who led him to an address on Beaconsfield Road. 

The property initially appeared to be empty; however, the second dog who had been running with Foy was seen at a ground-floor window. 

Police eventually entered the property after several attempts of trying to get any residents to come to the door. 

Following a short search of the house, they found an open loft hatch, and inside the attic was Foy, underneath several pieces of insulation.  

Charles Foy's labrador (pictured) led police to its owner's door after being abandoned by the disqualified driver as he fled from police

He was spotted driving an e-scooter and was said to have smelt of cannabis sparking a police chase, which led to them following a dog he had abandoned during the pursuit

Following a short search of the house, they found an open loft hatch, and inside the attic was Foy, underneath several pieces of insulation

After being discovered, the 41-year-old claimed he was sleeping in the loft due to the overcrowded nature of the property

Charles Foy (pictured) was found guilty of failing to stop for police, driving whilst disqualified, using a motor vehicle without insurance and failing to provide a drug test

After being discovered, the 41-year-old claimed he was sleeping in the loft because the property was overcrowded.

He also denied riding the e-scooter that night and said during a police interview that he did not know police cars had sirens.  

Foy was found guilty of failing to stop for police, driving whilst disqualified, using a motor vehicle without insurance and failing to provide a drug test.

The 41-year-old was sentenced to three months behind bars and banned from driving for four years and three months.  

PC Mike Smith, of Runcorn Response, said: 'Whilst Foy showed no loyalty to his own dog as he attempted to make good his escape from pursuing police, the pup ultimately remained loyal and provided us with a vital lead - taking us straight to the address of his master.

'The custodial sentence and the four-plus-year road ban handed to Foy reflects the serious nature of the offences he committed. 

'Not only did he appear to be riding under the influence of substances that could severely impair his reaction times, but the fact of the matter is that he was riding an illegal vehicle that can reach considerable speeds in a matter of seconds and can have devastating effects should a collision occur.

'Vehicles like e-scooters and e-bike cannot be ridden on public roads due to the fact that they cannot be insured. 

'In these cases, they may actually be classed as a motor vehicle, meaning the rider would need a licence, insurance and a helmet - something many riders like Foy do not possess.'