BELLINGHAM, MA — Police rescued two people from a wooded area after a single-vehicle crash early New Year’s Day.
Sgt. Auld discovered an SUV that had struck a utility pole on South Main Street near Scott Street at approximately 3 a.m. on Jan. 1.
The Bellingham Emergency Dispatch Center received an automated crash detection alert from the vehicle at the same time.
No occupants were found inside the SUV, but multiple sets of footprints were discovered leading into a nearby wooded area.
Sgt. Auld and Officer LaCure followed the tracks and located a juvenile male who appeared injured with a diminished level of consciousness, believed to be the result of exposure to the elements.
An ambulance was requested to the scene.
Officer LaCure remained with the juvenile while Sgt. Auld continued searching for additional possible occupants.
Officers Nummela and Ribeiro responded to assist.
After approximately 30 minutes, increasing snowfall began to obscure the footprints, and additional resources were requested through the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council.
Officer Tim Burt of Foxborough and Sgt. Dan Morris of Wrentham, along with K9 Cruiser, responded to assist.
Following a search lasting more than two hours, K9 Cruiser located a second occupant deep in the woods who was also suffering from exposure.
Both individuals were transported to Milford Regional Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.
A third occupant was later confirmed to have exited the wooded area and was picked up by an unknown vehicle.
