K9 Dax Saves Man From Bleeding To Death: Police

INGLESIDE, IL— A chilling scene early Monday morning ended in relief when Lake County Sheriff's Department's K-9 member Dax found a suicidal man and saved him from bleeding out.

At around 12:20 a.m. on April 19, sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a suicidal person, but only found a large amount of blood when they arrived at a home on North Hunt Avenue, according to a statement from the sheriff's office. From there, Deputy John Forlenza brought 7-year-old Dax, a German shepherd, to track the scent.

After locating the man's scent, Dax led officers to a shed at the back of the property. There, deputies found the man unconscious, bleeding from the wrists, and began to perform CPR. A spokesperson for the Lake County Sheriff's office said the man was transported to a local hospital to treat his injuries and undergo a mental health evaluation.

"We always attempt to utilize our canines when we are looking for someone who left on foot who is in danger," said spokesperson Christoper Covelli. "And this outcome is exactly why we do that."

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According to Covelli, Dax has found about 100 people either in mental distress or fleeing offenders during his five years at the sheriff's office.

In 2019, Dax was one of seven finalists for the Humane Society's Hero Dog Award. He also earned the Tracking Exceptional Certification during the United States Police Canine Association Patrol Dog Trial in Michigan.

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The sheriff's office currently has four K-9 dogs, but plans to acquire its fifth dog, which is expected to be another German shepherd, later this month. Lake County students are invited to participate in a naming contest for the fifth pup.

Anyone who is struggling can get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or by texting HOME to 741741.