LAPD bloodhound Coco locates missing hiker in Angeles National Forest

People reports that the Los Angeles Police Department deployed a 3-year-old bloodhound named Coco after receiving a call on Wednesday, Jan. 7 about a person in crisis last seen in Angeles National Forest.

LAPD K-9 handler Officer Bardo Zavala told ABC7 that he "deployed Coco, using one of the subject's clothing," and that "Coco picked up a trail taking us deep into the canyon." Zavala also said, "She just wants to go, go, go," and described officers lifting the dog over an 8-foot wall and watching her traverse several creeks, pausing to drink before continuing the search. According to ABC7, Coco has trained with the LAPD since she was 9 weeks old, though most of her work has been in urban areas.

After about nine hours of searching, Coco led officers to the missing person, who was then airlifted to safety with the help of a rescue team. Sgt. Desi Ehrlich of LAPD's Gang and Narcotics Division told the outlet, "This is what we train for, and we don't often get the opportunity to do these types of rescue missions," and added that "Coco did a great job that day" and that "it really feels good to be able to contribute to saving someone's life."