K-9 Leads Deputies to Rescue Man Trapped Under Overturned Four-Wheeler for Nearly 5 Hours
Mason County, W.Va. — A dramatic search and rescue operation unfolded recently as a K-9 team tracked down a 76-year-old man trapped under an overturned four-wheeler for nearly five hours in remote, rugged terrain near Willow Creek.
The Mason County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Deputy Chris Connor and his two-year-old canine partner, Chica, played a crucial role in locating the injured man after he collided with a tree close to the Mason-Putnam County line. The man was trapped after his four-wheeler flipped, leaving him pinned and vulnerable in thick brush.
Connor described turning to prayer in the tense moments of the search, even writing the man’s name on his arm as a hopeful gesture. “I prayed one more time… and then I heard a voice calling back to me,” he shared. Moments later, with backup from the Valley Volunteer Fire Department’s drones scanning the area, Chica picked up the scent trail.
“It took about 30 minutes for her to track him after deployment,” Connor said. “Her nose never came up. She stayed right down on the trail—she is such a good girl.”
Swift Response and Medical Airlift Follow K-9 Discovery
The quick teamwork between the K-9 unit and fire department helped first responders reach the trapped man rapidly, enabling them to free him safely from beneath the overturned vehicle. Emergency medics then airlifted the man to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment.
The rescue operation highlights the value of specialized K-9 units in emergency response, particularly in challenging environments where human tracking may falter. “We are extremely proud of our K-9 team and the fire and other first responders involved,” Mason County officials said.
The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers posed by off-road terrain and the remarkable bond and effectiveness of K-9 teams in life-saving missions. Authorities continue to monitor the man’s condition following the rescue.
As this story develops, law enforcement and rescue personnel are expected to review the incident to enhance safety protocols and search techniques in rural areas.
Mason County Sheriff’s Office: “Our teamwork, training, and Chica’s incredible tracking abilities saved a life today.”
Residents and outdoor enthusiasts are urged to exercise caution around rough terrain and to immediately report missing persons to ensure timely rescues in similar situations.
