State Police Dog 'Sits' On Suspect After 3-Mile Track In Stafford

STAFFORD, CT — State Police dog Drago was caught sitting down on the job this week, but he also had a fleeing suspect under him during a lengthy track in extreme north central Connecticut.

State troopers Wednesday responded to a report of a one-car crash in the area of Route 190 (known locally as Buckley Highway) and Michelec Road at the Union-Stafford line. According to an incident report, witnesses reported that the vehicle's operator had fled the area on foot and left three passengers behind at the scene.

State police dog Drago sprung into action and led a track of about 3 miles, according to an incident report. Drago began pulling on his leash and wound up sitting on the suspect, who was hiding face-down in some brush, wagging his tail, according to an incident report.

The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Joseph Marengo, of Suthbridge, MA, then "surrendered," state police said.

Marengo was then transported to Troop C in Tolland, where he was charged with the following:

• Failure to drive in the proper lane
• Operating a motor vehicle without a license
• Evading responsibility
• Interfering with police
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

Marengo was later released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled for arraignment in Rockville Superior Court on Oct. 12, records show.