Massachusetts State Police K9 locates distraught teen armed with several weapons

A Massachusetts State Police K9 possibly saved a boy’s life this morning.

Massachusetts State Police K9 Unit Trooper Jack Doherty and his partner Roxy located a distraught, armed teenage boy early this morning at the edge of a dam. Two Troopers from the State Police-Brookfield Barracks and a Barre Police Officer who were able to reach the boy and pull him to safety.

MSP patrols were assisting Barre Police units with a search for the boy, who was in crisis and was armed with several edged weapons and who had fled into the woods.

According to Massachusetts State Police, Trooper Doherty responded as well and, at approximately 3:25 a.m., deployed Roxy on a nighttime track. Roxy pulled down one side of Worcester Road then abruptly pulled to the other side of the road. Eventually, Roxy pulled right onto a trail leading to the Ware River, tracked along the river towards the Barre Falls Dam, and reached the top of the dam. Roxy pulled right, toward the falls, stopped at the wall overlooking the falls, and displayed a change in behavior. Trooper Doherty looked over the wall and located the boy lying on the metal walkway attached to the building along the water level.

Troopers and the local Officer descended to where the boy was and assisted him up the ladder and away from the dam.

EMS responded and transported him to the hospital.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.