Fugitive hiding in woods caught by K9 after violating order of protection in Ogdensburg
OGDENSBURG, NY – A St. Lawrence County man accused of violating a court-issued stay-away order was tracked down and arrested on New Year’s Eve after fleeing into the woods, only to be found by a New York State Police K9.
Zachary H. Smith, 36, of Ogdensburg, was arrested on December 31 and charged with Criminal Contempt in the First Degree, an aggravated family offense, after a week-long investigation stemming from a December 24 complaint.
Just before midnight on Christmas Eve, troopers received a report that Smith had violated an active order of protection. The investigation revealed that Smith had not only made contact with the protected party, but had also been present at locations the victim was known to frequent and had made threatening remarks.
Troopers launched a search for Smith, and on December 31, they patrolled the area of Loafers Bluff Drive in an attempt to locate him. When officers arrived, Smith fled on foot into a nearby wooded area.
State Police K9 Falb, a bloodhound, and her handler were brought in to assist. The dog quickly picked up the scent and located Smith hiding approximately 50 yards from the residence.
Body camera footage released by the New York State Police shows the moment troopers moved in and took Smith into custody.
Smith was taken to SP Gouverneur for processing, arraigned in the Town of Rossie Court, and remanded to the St. Lawrence County Jail.
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Key Points
- Zachary H. Smith was arrested for violating an order of protection after being found hiding in woods
- A New York State Police bloodhound tracked him to his location following a foot pursuit
- Smith was charged with first-degree criminal contempt and remanded to jail after arraignment
