STURBRIDGE — A man suspected of crashing his vehicle and fleeing the scene was apprehended late Thursday night thanks to the efforts of a local police K9 unit and state troopers.
At about 10:34 p.m., Sturbridge police officers were dispatched to Shumway Road at the intersection of Douty Road following reports of a single motor vehicle crash.
The caller indicated the male driver had left the scene on foot.
Officer Danna and his K9 partner, Raya, arrived to track the suspect starting from the crash site.
The police dog led the pursuit across an open field on Douty Road and into a densely vegetated wetland area.
Exhibiting signs of a proximity alert, K9 Raya continued the chase and soon located the man lying face down in the woods.
With the assistance of Officer Marderosian and Trooper Siok from the C5 State Police Barracks, the suspect was found passed out due to high intoxication levels and taken into custody without incident.
The man was identified as the driver of the crashed vehicle and is now facing charges including OUI Liquor, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident.
The successful capture was a collaborative effort with the Massachusetts State Police providing crucial support.
Officer Danna and K9 Raya were commended for their exceptional work in apprehending the suspect.
