BELLINGHAM — An early-morning single-vehicle crash prompted a large-scale search and mutual aid response after an SUV struck a utility pole and its occupants fled into nearby woods.
According to a statement from the Bellingham Police Department, at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026, Sergeant Mark Auld came upon the crash on South Main Street near Scott Street, where an SUV had struck a utility pole. At the same time, the Bellingham Emergency Dispatch Center received an automated crash detection alert from the same vehicle.
“No occupants were found inside the SUV; however, multiple sets of footprints were discovered leading into the wooded area nearby,” the Bellingham Police Department said in its statement.
Sergeant Auld and Officer Michael LaCure, who also responded to the scene, followed the tracks and located a juvenile male who appeared injured and had a diminished level of consciousness, believed to be due to exposure to the elements. An ambulance was requested to the scene.
Officer LaCure remained with the juvenile while Sergeant Auld continued searching the wooded area for additional possible occupants.
“After approximately 30 minutes, increasing snowfall began to obscure the footprints, and additional resources were requested through the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council,” the Bellingham Police Department said. “Officer Tim Burt from the Foxborough Police Department and Sergeant Dan Morris from the Wrentham Police Department, along with K-9 Cruiser, responded to assist.”
After an extensive search lasting more than two hours, the K-9 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, police said.
“A third occupant was later confirmed to have exited the wooded area and was picked up by an unknown vehicle,” the Bellingham Police Department said.
Police credited the incident’s outcome to regional cooperation and mutual aid among responding agencies, as well as the work of dispatchers and first responders during the overnight operation.
