K-9 Jett Finds Missing Man In Woods: West Hartford Police

WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford K-9 Jett tracked down an elderly patient who had gone missing from a healthcare facility on Wednesday night. Jett located the missing man in a wooded area near the facility. The man had fallen and sustained minor injuries, according to police.

At about 10 p.m. on July 5, West Hartford Police received a call about a missing elderly party from a long-term healthcare facility located on Emily Way. Numerous officers were dispatched, according to Lt. Eric Rocheleau. (To sign up for West Hartford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Rocheleau said officers were advised that the missing person was a 56-year-old male suffering from many health problems, including a cognitive impairment. It was reported that he was last seen in his room shortly after 8 p.m. and was not there at 9 p.m. Staff at the location checked the building with negative results before notifying West Hartford Police around 10 p.m.

West Hartford K-9 Unit Officer Tommy Lazure and K-9 Jett also responded to the scene. K-9 Jett conducted a track for the missing man and it led to a wooded area near the facility where the victim was located.

Rocheleau said the victim had fallen and received minor injuries. He was alert but confused, telling officers that he left the building in search of his vehicle, according to Rocheleau. The man was transported to UCONN to be evaluated.

“As part of his successful mission K-9 Jett received his usual reward for a good find, a burger from the GoldRoc diner,” Rocheleau said.

Photo courtesy of West Hartford Police