Troop C Police Dogs Help Apprehend Suspects In Tolland, Ashford, Middletown Cases

TOLLAND, CT — Connecticut State Police said Troop C dogs Apollo, Zeke and Viper were deployed in several high-profile incidents last week in Tolland County and elsewhere in the state, including a large operation in Tolland, a search in Middletown and a barricaded suspect call in Ashford.

According to state police, the busiest day came on May 16, when the Troop C dogs helped during what state police described as a raid on a large illegal cockfighting operation in Tolland.

State police reported that all three dogs were deployed to help contain 100 individuals at the scene. State police also reported that several suspects who tried to flee into surrounding neighborhoods were located and apprehended with help from the canine units.

State police said Zeke and Apollo were also called to assist the Middletown Police Department on May 19. According to state police, the dogs were used in the search for an armed individual who had discharged a firearm in Middletown and fled the scene.

The next day, on May 20, Viper responded to an address in Ashford for a burglary suspect who had barricaded himself inside an apartment and refused to come out, according to state police. State police reported that after troopers broke down the door, the suspect surrendered to Viper and troopers without further incident.

"The situation was resolved safely, preventing any injuries to both Troopers and the suspect," state police said of the Ashford incident.

State police said Troop C dogs are often called to help neighboring agencies and other troops.

"These highly trained canines play a critical role in safely resolving dangerous situations and de-escalating critical incidents."