Massachusetts State Police K9 “Kantor” tracks suspect involved in striking police officer with vehicle

Shortly before midnight last night, members of the Lawrence Police Department requested State Police K9 and Air Wing assistance in locating occupants who fled from a vehicle after a pursuit.

The pursuit began with the operator of the vehicle striking a Police Officer, causing serious bodily injury. Massachusetts State Trooper Brian Soares and K9 Kantor responded to the scene along with Sergeant David Nims, Trooper Brandyn Henson, and other Troopers assigned to State Police Andover.

Upon their arrival, they were briefed of the situation and the last known whereabouts of the three suspects. Trooper Soares began a track of the suspects with the assistance of two Troopers and a Lawerence Police Officer. The track led them through wooded areas, fields, and a river. After approximately 1.5 miles K9 Kantor began to demonstrate a proximity alert and led Trooper Soares along a path behind a baseball field.

The Troopers followed the lead of K9 Kantor to an area where they observed a person face down in an effort to conceal himself in the woodline. Trooper Soares gave commands to the man to show his hands and come out of the woods or face K9 apprehension. The suspect complied and was taken into custody.

Additional Lawrence Police Officers traveled to their location and assumed custody of the suspect, later identified as ELISAMUEL FERNANDEZ PAGAN, 32, of Lawrence. A search continued for other suspects, however, none were immediately located.

The situation remains under investigation.