Solved by Scent: Police Helicopter, Drones, and an Incredible Bloodhound Race Against Time to Find Missing Bergen County Teen
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ – A massive, hours-long search operation involving a police helicopter, multiple K-9 units, and officers from half a dozen towns successfully ended late Thursday night with the safe location of a missing 14-year-old boy. The true hero of the night, according to officials, was Maywood Police bloodhound Phoenyx, whose incredible sense of smell was the key to tracking the youngster down.
The boy had run away from his Upper Saddle River home following an argument with a family member approximately three hours earlier, prompting an urgent response from local and state law enforcement.
Air, Ground, and Paw: A Coordinated Search
The moment the boy was reported missing, the Upper Saddle River Police Department launched a comprehensive search that underscored the value of mutual aid across Bergen County.
The operation involved a full squadron of responders, including:
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Air Support: The New Jersey State Police Aviation Bureau deployed a helicopter to scan the area from above.
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Technology: Upper Saddle River police utilized their department drone to cover ground quickly.
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Ground Teams: Officers conducted an “old-fashioned house-to-house canvas checking for recent surveillance footage and witnesses,” according to Detective Sgt. Michael Spina.
Phoenyx Zeroes In: The Scent Trail
The breakthrough came around 9:30 p.m. when the specialized K-9 unit arrived. Maywood Police Sgt. Christopher Nichols and his highly successful bloodhound partner, Phoenyx, were deployed with a piece of the boy’s clothing to establish a scent trail.
Bloodhounds are recognized as the most effective K-9s for tracking human scent, and Phoenyx, who is the successor to the legendary K-9 Remi (known for helping solve major criminal cases), lived up to his reputation.
Maywood Police bloodhound Phoenyx followed the scent directly from a piece of clothing to the youngster, converging on him simultaneously with search teams on a dark residential street about a half-mile away.
The boy was found in good health and was safely transported home and reunited with his family.
Community and Mutual Aid Praised
Upper Saddle River Police Chief Patrick Rotella publicly thanked all the agencies that rushed to assist, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in emergency situations. The effort included the Bergen County Sheriff’s K-9 unit and police from Allendale, Mahwah, Montvale, Ramsey, and Ramapo.
Chief Rotella also praised the administration of Northern Highlands High School and local residents “for their cooperation and understanding throughout the operation.”
This successful recovery once again proves that while technology like helicopters and drones are vital, the precision of a highly trained K-9 like Phoenyx remains an indispensable tool for law enforcement in search and rescue missions.
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