Police K9 Tracks ‘Individual In Crisis’ In Woods: Police

NAUGATUCK, CT — A police dog named ‘Judge’ on Thursday successfully tracked an individual who had made “concerning statements about self-harm,” police said.

Police went to a local home around 5 p.m. Thursday. When they arrived, they were told the person had left on foot toward the Bridle Trail.

Police deployed their drone team, bicycle unit and K-9 unit to help find the person.

Judge tracked for about a quarter mile into the woods and found the individual, who was unharmed. The person was taken to a local hospital for mental health treatment, police said.

“We commend the dedication and teamwork of our K9 and human officers in resolving this situation safely,” police said, in an announcement on Facebook. “More importantly, we want to remind our community that no one has to struggle alone—help is always available.”

Anyone struggling can take advantage of the following resources:

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – Dial 988
Mobile Crisis – Dial 211
Adult Crisis Telephone Intervention and Options Network - 1-800-HOPE-135