Massachusetts State Police and K9 “Tucker” go “dumpster diving” for hit and run suspects

“Nice work yesterday morning by Massachusetts State Police K9 Unit Trooper John Areche and his partner Tucker (pictured), who captured one of three suspects who ran from their car after they hit another motorist on Route 141 in Holyoke.

A Holyoke Officer captured one fleeing suspect quickly. A second male suspect, who was wearing all black, fled toward St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Trooper Areche deployed Tucker, who exhibited a change in behavior on a grassy area behind the church. Tucker tracked through some nearby woods and onto the property of the University Park Apartments, eventually pulling along a sidewalk toward the back side of the complex, where the pool, pool house, and a dumpster are located.

Tucker showed interest in the pool house and dumpster. Trooper Areche found the pool house doors were all locked, and then checked the dumpster, where the suspect was found hiding in the trash. He was ordered to surrender or face apprehension by Tucker. He complied and was taken into custody. Holyoke officers later located the third suspect.

Mission accomplished.”