K9 Brutus Locates Operator Who Fled Motor Vehicle Crash in Holyoke

On Monday January 15th just after midnight, Holyoke Police requested K9 assistance for a motor vehicle crash where the operator fled on foot. Trooper Matt Donah of the K9 Unit responded to assist.

Trooper Donah deployed K9 Brutus from the crashed vehicle. On the opposite side of the street from the vehicle, Brutus acquired a scent and began tracking down the street. Approximately 150 yards down the street, Brutus hooked left into the tall reeds along a body of water causing Trooper Donah to fall through the ice. Brutus then located the operator lying down hiding and partially submerged in two-feet of water.

Holyoke officers were able to remove the operator from the water and he was transported to the hospital with hypothermic symptoms. The operator was later charged by Holyoke Police for OUI alcohol second offense and leaving the scene of a property damage crash.