Massachusetts State Police K9 Neko Always Gets His Man

WAKEFIELD, MA — State Police Trooper Neko has a nose for crime. The K9 and his partner, Trooper Daniel Purtell, tracked down a man accused of stabbing his co-worker before fleeing into the marsh in Wakefield.

State Police joined the search for 34-year-old Elvin Gutierrez, the suspect in the attack at Produce Connections Tuesday morning. It was Neko who sniffed out Gutierrez, traversing thick woods and swamp and leading Purtell through chest-deep water and heavy brush, State Police said.

Neko, who was ahead of Purtell, began pulling aggressively and barking, drawing his partner to his location. Purtell crashed through the brush and reeds, while still waist-deep in water, and found Neko biting Gutierrez's pants as he tried to hide, police said.

Gutierrez was arrested and charged with assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The victim, a 25-year-old man, suffered non-life-threatening stab and slash wounds, according to police.