Police K-9 dies after being struck by another officer’s cruiser during chase

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ/Gray News) - Police in Roanoke, Virginia, say K-9 Knox was killed during a vehicle pursuit on Friday.

According to the Roanoke Police Department, officers saw a stolen vehicle at a Melrose Avenue NW gas station at around 1:40 a.m. Police tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver left the scene.

After a short pursuit, the vehicle became inoperable on Vermont Ave NW, according to police.

Police say the driver ran from the vehicle and K-9 Knox was released to apprehend the suspect. During the K-9’s release, an officer who was not Knox’s handler continued driving his police vehicle and struck the dog, according to the department.

The K-9 was immediately taken to Emergency Veterinarian Services, where Knox later died.

The driver in the suspected stolen vehicle was later identified as Timothy Darnell Bryant, of Roanoke. He is wanted on charges of grand larceny, felony alluding, felony hit-and-run, driving on a revoked or suspended license, and additional outstanding warrants.

Anyone with information Bryant’s location is asked to contact Roanoke police at 540-344-8500.

A passenger who was in the vehicle during the pursuit remained at the scene and was taken into custody. Thirty-four-year-old Stephini Salama, of Roanoke, was arrested on active warrants from other jurisdictions. She was also charged with failure to identify to law enforcement.

Knox, a 3-year-old male German shepherd, joined the Roanoke Police Department in May 2023 as a narcotics detection and patrol apprehension K-9.

Police say information on funeral arrangements will be forthcoming and an internal review of this incident is ongoing.

Instead of flowers, a donation box for dog items has been set up in the lobby of the police station to benefit area animal shelters and pet pantries.

“We bear the weight of this loss with solemn reflection,” Chief Scott Booth said. “RPD will forever honor Knox and his life of service to our community.”

The Roanoke Police Department extends their gratitude to the staff of Emergency Veterinarian Services for their care of K-9 Knox.