Virginia Police Responders Injured, Canine Partner Slain in Home Gun Battle
Two officers were wounded and a police dog died when a suspect opened fire during a domestic call in Chesterfield, Virginia.
Virginia Police Responders Injured, Canine Partner Slain in Home Gun Battle
Two law enforcement personnel from a Richmond-area department are recovering in hospital after being struck by gunfire during a family violence call that also claimed the life of a service dog.
The head of Chesterfield County's force, Edward F. Carpenter Jr., told a Monday briefing that the injured pair were in critical yet stable condition.
The trouble started around 4:40 p.m. Sunday at a house on Gumfork Place. A woman contacted emergency services to report that a man she knew was firing a weapon inside during a domestic confrontation. She said she had locked herself in an upstairs sleeping area while the individual tried to break through the door.
Upon entering the residence, the responders were met with shots from a rifle or shotgun. Both human officers were hit, and a police dog sustained fatal injuries. The fallen animal, known as Knight, had been on the job for three years.
"Knight died heroically in the line of duty," the chief said. "He was responding to work and at some point succumbed to a gunshot wound."
The alleged shooter was also wounded in the exchange and was taken for medical care. He is expected to live. His identity has not been released, though officials said he will be charged with multiple offenses.
During a later sweep of the premises, technicians found an explosive device, prompting the bomb squad to join the operation.
Carpenter called the event "one of your worst nightmares" for a department leader but expressed relief the officers survived, praising the trauma team at Chippenham Hospital. This is the first shooting involving department personnel in the current year.
A police presence will remain in the area throughout the probe. Those with knowledge of the circumstances can reach the county force at 804-748-1251 or contact Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660.
Source: WWBT NBC12
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