Georgia · Henry County · Police K9

Atlanta Police K9 Stano Found Safe in Hampton GA After Overnight Search

He saw a deer outside his handler's home and ran. Officers searched Henry County through the night with a helicopter. A neighbor found him in her swimming pool.

By The Local Alert Georgia Staff Published Aug. 18, 10:15 a.m. 2 min read Found safe

Stano has been found safe.

Atlanta police searched Henry County overnight for the missing K9. Atlanta News First and WSB-TV both reported Tuesday morning that he was found and is being checked by a veterinarian.

Key facts

Who: Stano, a K9 with the Atlanta Police Department
Breed and age: Belgian Malinois, 3 years old
What happened: He ran after deer near his handler's home and did not come back
Where: Hampton, in Henry County, Georgia
Search area: North Pomona and Boynton roads
Agency: Atlanta Police Department
Number during the search: 404-416-9128
Outcome: Found safe in a neighbor's swimming pool

What happened to Atlanta police K9 Stano?

An Atlanta Police Department K9 named Stano slipped away from his handler at the handler's home in Henry County and set off an overnight search that ended Tuesday morning, Atlanta News First reported.

Police believe the dog spotted deer and took off after them, Atlanta News First reported. WSB-TV reported that the handler was putting Stano into his kennel when the dog saw a deer and bolted. Atlanta News First reported the handler was getting home from a late-night shift when the dog got loose.

Atlanta News First placed it late Monday night; WSB-TV said Tuesday morning.

Stano is a Belgian Malinois, WSB-TV reported. Atlanta News First reported he is 3 years old. His handler has not been named.

Where did officers search?

The dog's handler lives in Henry County, roughly 45 minutes south of Atlanta, Atlanta News First reported. Atlanta News First placed the search in Hampton, and WSB-TV also put the home there.

Officers concentrated the overnight effort around North Pomona and Boynton roads, working on foot and with a helicopter overhead, according to Atlanta News First.

How was Stano found?

The dog turned up in a neighbor's swimming pool before officers reached him, Atlanta News First reported. Neighbor Kathy Emory said she spotted him in the water and ran for a towel.

"His little paws were hanging on the side of the pool," Emory told the station. She said she led him to the step and he jumped out.

Emory said she thinks the chase after the deer is what brought Stano into her backyard.

Atlanta police officers arrived a short time later. "As soon as you got him out of the pool, he came right to us," Officer Andi Cameron told Emory by phone, according to Atlanta News First.

Police said they are grateful to the neighbor for watching out for him. Stano is being examined by a veterinarian as a precaution, both stations reported.

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What number did police give during the search?

While the search was still active, WSB-TV reported that anyone who saw Stano could call 404-416-9128 or the Atlanta police non-emergency line to report a sighting.

What we don't know yet

The handler's name, and how long Stano has worked with the Atlanta Police Department
The exact hour Stano got loose — the two accounts differ
Exactly when he was pulled from the pool, and how far he traveled
Whether any Henry County agency joined the Atlanta police search
Whether the veterinarian found any injury

Frequently asked questions

Has Atlanta police K9 Stano been found?
Yes. Atlanta News First and WSB-TV both reported that Stano was found safe Tuesday morning.

What kind of dog is Stano?
A Belgian Malinois. Atlanta News First reported he is 3 years old.

How did Stano get away?
He chased after deer near his handler's home. WSB-TV reported the handler was putting him in his kennel when he spotted a deer and ran.

Where did Stano go missing?
In Hampton, in Henry County, Georgia. His handler lives about 45 minutes south of Atlanta, Atlanta News First reported.

Where did officers search?
Atlanta News First reported the overnight search centered on North Pomona and Boynton roads, with a helicopter overhead and officers on the ground.

Where was Stano found?
In a neighbor's swimming pool. Neighbor Kathy Emory told Atlanta News First she saw him in the water, led him to the step and he jumped out.

What number did police give during the search?
While the search was active, WSB-TV reported that anyone who saw Stano could call 404-416-9128 or the Atlanta police non-emergency line.

Is Stano hurt?
Police said he is being checked by a veterinarian as a precaution. No injuries have been announced.

Which agency handled the search?
The Atlanta Police Department. Stano is an Atlanta police K9, though his handler's home is in Henry County.

Sources

About this report

Compiled by The Local Alert Georgia Staff from the named news outlets linked above. The Local Alert is not a law enforcement agency. Corrections and removal requests: see our corrections policy.

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Reported and fact-checked as of 10:29 a.m. ET on August 18, 2026.

Every source linked here was opened and verified at that time. This report reflects what was known and confirmed at that moment and is not updated automatically as a story develops. For the current status of an active investigation, contact the agency named above.

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