Police K9 That Tracked Down Wenham Kidnapping Suspect Dies

Drago, the State Police K9 that ended his career by hunting down a violent kidnapping suspect in August in Wenham, has died.

Drago, who was 10 years old, was recently diagnosed with abdominal cancer and died on Sept. 29. He was the partner for Trooper Brian McKenna, according to State Police.

“He will be missed by his loving family and all of those that knew him,” State Police said.

Drago’s eight year career ended with the capture of a violent kidnapping suspect in Wenham on Aug. 1. The search started after a Topsfield Road resident reported an armed kidnapping where a Salem man allegedly took a 21-year-old woman at knifepoint.

Drago found Justin Raymond, 23, of 10 Silver St. in Salem under a three-season porch at a Burnham Road home. Raymond was charged with assault and battery, kidnapping, breaking and entering in the nighttime, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of threat to commit a crime.

Since 2006, Drago was a patrol and narcotics detection dog. He was “a strong dog with a calm demeanor who loved his job,” State Police said.

In addition to capturing the Wenham suspect, he was involved in “many memorable finds and apprehensions.”

Drago’s favorite day of the year was Heritage Day at the North Attleboro Middle School when he would demonstrate some of his abilities and help the kids learn about police K-9 operations.