By Laurence Hammack
The Roanoke Times, Va.
ROANOKE, Va. — A Roanoke police dog died early Friday after being struck by a patrol car during a pursuit of a fleeing suspect.
“The Roanoke Police Department is saddened to announce the line-of-duty death of K-9 Knox,” police said in a news release about the circumstances of an incident involving the 3-year-old German shepherd.
At about 1:40 a.m., police spotted a stolen car at a gas station in the 3900 block of Melrose Avenue Northwest. The driver sped off when officers attempted a traffic stop.
After a short pursuit, the vehicle broke down in the 4200 block of Vermont Avenue. The driver ran from the car, and Knox was released to pursue and apprehend the suspect.
During the release of the dog, “an officer continued in his police vehicle and struck K-9 Knox,” police said in a news release. The male dog was rushed to an emergency veterinarian’s office, where he later died.
An internal review of the incident is underway, police said. “We bear the weight of this loss with solemn reflection,” police Chief Scott Booth said in a statement. “RPD will forever honor Knox and his life of service to our community.”
Police are planning a funeral service for Knox, who became part of the department in May 2023. Of the six dogs in the department’s K-9 unit, Knox was one that was specifically trained to apprehend suspects, police said.
The driver of the stolen car has been identified as Timothy Darnell Bryant, 44, of Roanoke. He is wanted on charges of grand larceny, felony alluding, hit-and-run, driving without a valid license, and additional outstanding warrants.
A woman who remained in the car was arrested on pending charges from other jurisdictions.
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