A Shepherdsville man who shot and killed a K-9 officer after shooting at and then hiding from police has been sentenced to prison.
David J. Knopp, 24, was sentenced Tuesday in a Bullitt County courtroom to 10 years in prison: five years for assault on a service animal and five years for first-degree wanton endangerment, media outlets report. The sentences will run consecutively.
Knopp pled guilty to the charges last month. He was originally charged with attempted murder of a police officer, assault on a service animal, first-degree wanton endangerment, and fleeing or evading police (on foot).
State police said the investigation showed Shepherdsville officers were responding to a shoplifting complaint at the Dollar General when an officer made contact with Knopp, who was standing outside the store armed with a firearm.
Knopp began shooting at law enforcement, police said, and then fled on foot. Shortly after, Shepherdsville PD K-9 Dash located the suspect hiding nearby. Upon Dash attempting to restrain Knopp, he shot and killed the K-9.
Shepherdsville police and the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office returned fire, striking Knopp multiple times. He was transported to University of Louisville Hospital.
Dash, a Belgian Malinois, served for five years with the Shepherdsville PD.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
