At a Glance
- Coco, the 3-year-old bloodhound, helped locate a missing hiker.
- Search lasted 9 hours in Angeles National Forest.
- The hiker was rescued by airlift after the dog’s tracking.
Why it matters: Demonstrates the vital role of K-9 units in wilderness search and rescue.
A 3-year-old bloodhound named Coco was deployed by the Los Angeles Police Department on January 7, 2026 to track a missing hiker in Angeles National Forest. The dog’s keen sense of smell guided officers through creeks and over obstacles, leading to the hiker’s rescue after nine hours of searching. The operation highlighted the importance of K-9 units in wilderness search and rescue missions.
The Rescue Mission
On Wednesday, Jan. 7, the LAPD received a call about a person in crisis last seen in Angeles National Forest. They immediately deployed Coco, the 3-year-old bloodhound, to use her keen sense of smell to help them track down the lost hiker. “She just wants to go, go, go,” said Officer Bardo Zavala.
Zavala, a K-9 handler for the LAPD’s Gang and Narcotics Division, explained that the dog followed a trail from a piece of the hiker’s clothing. “I deployed Coco, using one of the subject’s clothing,” he said. “Coco picked up a trail taking us deep into the canyon.”
Despite never having explored the area before, Coco’s training prepared her to push through any obstacle. At one point, officers even lifted her over an 8-foot wall so she wouldn’t lose the hiker’s scent. “Picking her up and putting her over a wall that was something that we’ve never done,” Zavala admitted.
Coco crossed four to five creeks, each time taking a sip and continuing on the trail. “She actually went through four to five creeks, and she enjoyed going to the creek,” Zavala noted. Her persistence led officers to the hiker’s location after a long search.
Coco’s Training and Skills
According to ABC7, Coco has been training with the LAPD since she was just 9 weeks old. Most of her time has been spent in the city’s urban areas, honing her tracking and obedience. Her training also includes navigating rugged terrain and overcoming obstacles.
“This is what we train for, and we don’t often get the opportunity to do these types of rescue missions,” said Sgt. Desi Ehrlich of the LAPD’s Gang and Narcotics Division. He emphasized that K-9 units are prepared for both urban and wilderness searches. When the opportunity arises, the dog’s skills can be life-saving.
The Search and Rescue Process
The search began at dawn and lasted 9 hours. Officers followed Coco’s trail through dense brush and over streams. They lifted the dog over an 8-foot wall and crossed multiple creeks to maintain the scent line.
After hours of tracking, the team located the missing hiker near a rocky outcrop. The hiker was immediately airlifted to a nearby medical facility. The rescue was a success thanks to the dog’s determination and the officers’ coordination.
Aftermath and Impact
“Coco did a great job that day, and it got us as far as any dog could,” Ehrlich said. He added that it feels good to contribute to saving someone’s life. The incident underscores the value of K-9 units in emergency response.
The missing hiker is recovering after the airlift. The LAPD plans to continue training its K-9s for both urban and wilderness missions. The public is encouraged to respect forest boundaries and carry proper equipment when hiking.
Equipment and Team Composition
The search team consisted of six officers, a K-9 handler, and a medical responder. They carried GPS units, radios, and first-aid kits. The team also used a drone to survey the canyon from above.
- GPS units
- Radios
- First-aid kits
- Drone
Lessons Learned
The operation highlighted the importance of early deployment of K-9 units in wilderness searches. It also showed that training in rugged terrain can pay off. Officers plan to review protocols to reduce search time.
- Deploy K-9 units early
- Train for rugged terrain
- Review search protocols
Public Awareness
The LAPD is urging hikers to carry a whistle, a map, and a satellite phone. They also recommend staying on marked trails. The department will hold a community workshop on wilderness safety.
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