Police K9 Tracks Down Holyoke Assault Suspect After He Strangled Girlfriend: Cops

Holyoke police are thanking one of their furry brethren for helping them track down a man with a violent history who allegedly strangled his girlfriend earlier this week before running into the woods, authorities said.

Massachusetts State police dog Tucker helped Holyoke police track down a man with a violent past earlier this week who is accused of assaulting his girlfriend before running into the woods to hide, authorities said.
Photo Credit: *Massachusetts State Police*

Josh Lanier

01/19/2023 5:09 p.m.

The suspect, a 33-year-old man, whose name was not released, reportedly attacked his girlfriend at a home on Kennedy Circle and then ran away. Police chased him into the woods, but whenever they got close, he would see them and continue running, police said.

Massachusetts State Police K9 Unit Trooper John Areche and his trusty K9 partner Tucker heard the call over the radio and decided to help. Holyoke officers led them to where they'd last seen the man, and Tucker quickly got to work. Within a matter of minutes, he picked up the suspect's scent and was on his way.

The man was found soon after when Tucker had led police to his hiding spot in the woods, authorities said. He quickly surrendered once Holyoke police gave him the option of coming out peacefully or having Tucker drag him out.

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