N.C. Police K-9 Fatally Shot During Foot Chase of Double Murder Suspect
A North Carolina police K-9 was shot and killed Wednesday during a chase with a double-murder suspect who was fatally shot in the incident.
Draco, a K-9 with the Mount Airy Police Department, was part of a high-speed pursuit by officers that began after the agency received a complaint concerning a suspicious vehicle with three people inside, WGHP-TV reports. One of the people in the vehicle at the time—identified as Desmund Louis Moore, 42—was suspected in the killing of two window cleaners in Hope Mills on Tuesday, according to WRAL-TV.
The car chase ended when the fleeing suspects collided head-on with another vehicle, and Moore and the other people inside jumped out and tried to escape on foot. Police, along with Surry County sheriff's deputies, apprehended one of the suspects immediately, but Moore and the other suspect ran into a wooded area.
Draco was struck by gunfire when Moore began shooting during the foot pursuit, which had been joined by Surry County sheriff's deputies. An officer and a deputy returned fire, fatally shooting Moore.
The third suspect was eventually captured by authorities. Draco was rushed to veterinary hospital, where he died from his injuries.
“I am heartbroken over the loss of K9 Draco! K9 Draco is a hero for protecting the deputies and officers,” stated Sheriff Steve Hiatt in a news release.
Smith was taken into custody and charged with “duty of passenger to remain at the scene of an accident.”
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is looking into the shooting.
