Oak Forest man rescued by sheriff's canine unit

A suicidal Oak Forest man was rescued by a Cook County sheriff's police canine unit Wednesday night.

The 45-year-old man, who had been despondent, had indicated to friends he was going camping and then to kill himself, the sheriff's office said Thursday.

Sheriff's Officer Jim Pacetti and his canine partner, a bloodhound named Melanie, were called in to assist the search. After getting the man's scent from a pillowcase, Melanie went to the area where he was last seen.

In less than 30 minutes, the dog led Pacetti about a quarter-mile into a wooded area near Oak Forest, where the man was found alive and camping, the sheriff's office said.

he man, who seemed to be unharmed, was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

Pacetti and Melanie have located five people since she came to the sheriff's police in December 2007. Melanie is the only sheriff's police canine trained specifically for tracking and locating missing people.

It's nice to know that the sheriff's police have a dog that can do that!

On Wednesday afternoon I saw the Midlothian Police at the park district at the creek on 146th & Kostner and on Kilbourne Avenue. I also saw Oak Forest police driving in Midlothian. Was that the reason? Were they searching for this man in that area? I was wondering what was happening with all the police presence.

sox fan for life wrote:

On Wednesday afternoon I saw the Midlothian Police at the park district at the creek on 146th & Kostner and on Kilbourne Avenue. I also saw Oak Forest police driving in Midlothian. Was that the reason? Were they searching for this man in that area? I was wondering what was happening with all the police presence.

If it's what I'm thinking of, a young girl said "someone" came up behind her and her Cell phone went dead. It turned out to be a "friend" was dressed up in a Hoodie and tried scaring her. Luckily it was unfounded and just a joke by one of her friends. Some friend but, I guess that's what some kids think is funny.