A Wake County, NC, Sheriff’s K-9 was shot and killed early Friday morning in a tragic accident.
NC Sheriff’s K-9 Accidentally Killed by Police Officer
Knightdale police chief Lawrence Capps said the dog was accidentally shot by one of his officers.

Wake County, NC, Sheriff's K-9 Santos was killed Friday in a tragic accident involving an unintentional discharge.
Wake County SO
Wake County SO reports on Facebook that K9 Santos and his handler were called to assist Knightdale Police with a search for a suspect. While Santos and his handler were working to track the suspect with a Knightdale officer, Santos was shot and mortally wounded.
Knightdale police chief Lawrence Capps said the dog was accidentally shot by one of his officers.
The officer involved in the unintentional shooting has been in law enforcement for 18 months and is on leave pending an internal investigation, ABC 11 reports.
K-9 Santos was rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic but he could not be saved.
The sheriff’s officer said on Facebook, “K9 Santos, a German shepherd, was skilled in tracking and protecting his handler with a fierce determination. He gave his life to ensure the safety of our deputies and the residents of Wake County. Santos joined the Wake County Sheriff's Office in 2016, making him the longest serving K9. We thank him for his loyalty and service.”
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