LEBANON JUNCTION, Ky. — A Shepherdsville police K-9 was shot and killed during a shoplifting investigation, according to Kentucky State Police (KSP). Officers were responding to a call involving a shoplifting complaint at a Dollar General Store when the K9 was killed.
KSP said when officers arrived on the scene they found a man outside the store with a firearm. The man began firing at police and took off running.
On March 17, KSP identified the man as 23-year-old David J. Knopp. He has been charged with fleeing/evading police, assault on a service animal, wanton endangerment and attempted murder of a police officer.
After Knopp fled, the Shepherdsville's K-9 unit found him hiding nearby. While the K-9, named Dash, attempted to restrain the man, Knopp discharged his firearm, fatally striking the dog.
KSP said that officers with the SPD and Bullitt County Sheriff's Department returned fire, striking Knopp multiple times.
Officers gave the man medical attention and Knopp was transported by EMS to the University of Louisville Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said on March 17 that Knopp remains at the hospital where he is in stable condition.
Shepherdsville Police Chief Rick McCubbin said on Facebook Thursday morning that Dash had been on patrol with the department for five years.
He said Dash did what he was trained to do: "track and apprehend a suspect and to protect his two-legged partner."
"That is exactly what Dash did," Chief McCubbin said. "Apprehended the suspect and gave his life to protect his partner."
Officials said that Kentucky State Police will lead the investigation into the shooting.
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