By Joanna Putman
Police1
MOUNT AIRY, N.C. — A K-9 officer was shot and killed during a pursuit involving a suspect wanted for a fatal double shooting the previous day, WFMY reported.
The pursuit began on Oct. 16 when three suspects, wanted for a shooting that left two workers dead outside of a home, fled after a suspicious vehicle complaint, according to the report. During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle struck another vehicle head-on.
Two of the suspects fled on foot into a wooded area following the crash, according to the report. K-9 Draco was deployed to assist with apprehending the suspects when one of the suspects, a 42-year-old man, began shooting, striking K-9 Draco.
Officers from the Mount Airy Police Department and the Surry County Sheriff’s Office attempted to provide medical aid to K-9 Draco at the scene, according to the report. Surry County Emergency Services transported K-9 Draco to Foothills Veterinary Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries.
The 42-year-old suspect also died during the confrontation.
“K-9 Draco died a hero and will be deeply missed,” the police department stated.
The other two suspects involved in the case were taken into custody.
