This NYSP K9 Did Not Let 2025 End Without One More Arrest

As fireworks rang in 2026, a four-legged trooper was busy doing what she does best: protecting New Yorkers.

Check Out the Video Below

On December 31, 2025, New York State Police arrested 36-year-old Zachary H. Smith of Ogdensburg, charging him with Criminal Contempt in the First Degree, an aggravated family offense

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The charges stem from an incident reported just before midnight on Christmas Eve, when troopers received a complaint about a violation of an order of protection.

Investigators determined Smith had violated a stay-away order by contacting the protected party, showing up at places the victim was known to be, and making threatening remarks.

After an active search was launched, troopers patrolled the area of Loafers Bluff Drive on New Year’s Eve in an effort to locate Smith. When he was spotted, Smith ran, fleeing the area on foot and attempting to hide nearby.

That’s when the New York State Police K9 Unit was called in.

K9 Falb, a bloodhound, responded with her handler and quickly went to work. Using her tracking skills, Falb located Smith hiding in a wooded area roughly 50 yards from a residence, allowing troopers to take him safely into custody.

Body-worn camera video released by State Police shows the moment Falb made the find.

Honestly, my favorite part of the video isn’t even the capture itself — it’s what happens right after. As soon as the scene is safe, K9 Falb’s handler unloads the ear rubs and neck scratchers, telling her what a good girl she is.

It’s a small moment, but it says everything about the bond between K9s and their handlers: hard work, trust, and a whole lot of well-earned praise for a dog who did exactly what she was trained to do.

Smith was transported to SP Gouverneur for processing, arraigned in the Town of Rossie Court, and remanded to the St. Lawrence County Jail.