Helicopter, K-9 unit used in police search

METHUEN — Police used a K-9 unit and helicopter last night to search for two individuals in a wooded area off Washington Street near where several recent break-ins have been reported.

Police first responded to the area around 7:20 p.m. when a resident reported a suspicious person knocking on their door. Officers then spotted the two individuals riding dirt bikes.

Methuen police Chief Joseph Solomon said the individuals refused to stop for the officers and fled into the woods near Old Ferry Drive, leaving their dirt bikes behind.

A K-9 unit and state police helicopter were then called in to search the area. Solomon said the K-9 unit was able to pick up their track but could not follow it beyond a swampy area.

Solomon said the search was called off just before 8:30 p.m.

He said police have been patrolling the area of Druid Hill Avenue and Washington Street after residents there reported multiple house breaks in recent weeks.