The Shepherdsville Police Department’s K-9 officer has been shot and killed by a theft suspect.
Kentucky State Police said troopers responded to an officer-involved shooting at approximately 9:00 Wednesday night at the Dollar General store in Lebanon Junction, at 11900 South Preston Highway just west of I-65.
State police said the preliminary investigation indicated that officers were responding to a shoplifting complaint at the Dollar General when an officer made contact with an individual armed with a firearm outside the store.
The individual began shooting at law enforcement, police said, and then fled on foot. Shortly after, Shepherdsville PD K-9 unit Dash located the suspect hiding nearby.
Upon Dash attempting to restrain the male suspect, the suspect shot and killed the K-9. Shepherdsville police and the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times. He was transported to University of Louisville Hospital where he is being treated for life-threatening injuries.
The KSP Post 4 investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Dash, a Belgian Malinois, served for five years with the Shepherdsville PD.
Shepherdsville Police Chief Rick McCubbin issued the following statement on social media on Dash’s death:
A sad night for our department. Shepherdsville Police, Bullitt Co SO, Mt Washington PD, and KSP responded to assist a Lebanon Junction Ofc. While names and information will be forthcoming I will confirm that three of my officers were directly involved and in the exchange of gunfire one of our canines was shot and killed.
K9 Dash, who has been on patrol for five years was shot and killed doing what he was trained to do: track and apprehend a suspect and to protect his two legged canine partner.
That is exactly what Dash did … Apprehended the suspect and gave his life to protect his partner.
In the early morning hours we, along with numerous agencies, gave Dash his final ride.
(Photo of Dash courtesy of the Shepherdsville PD)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
