Enfield Police Canine Helps Capture Hiding Suspect

ENFIELD, CT — A suspect fleeing from the scene of a domestic disturbance was captured in the early morning hours Friday, thanks to the aid of a police canine.

Around 3:42 a.m., Officer Mike Colantuono and his dog Nova were requested for a track of a suspect involved in a domestic disturbance on Moody Road. Once on scene, they were informed the suspect had fled the location on foot from the rear of the home, possibly armed with a knife, police said.

The canine team obtained a scent article and immediately started a track. About three to four minutes later, the suspect was located by Nova north of the house in a field at the wood line, police said.

The suspect, Diego Mendoza, 32, of Springfield, Mass., was charged with third-degree assault and second-degree breach of peace in connection with the disturbance. Police also served an active warrant on him stemming from a Dec. 4 incident, charging him with third-degree assault, second-degree strangulation and second-degree breach of peace, Capt. Jeff Golden said.

Mendoza was held overnight and presented in Enfield Superior Court Friday morning, Golden said.

Photo courtesy of Enfield Police Department

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