POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

by Staff
May 26, 2023
NC Sheriff’s K-9 Accidentally Killed by Police Officer

Wake County, NC, Sheriff's K-9 Santos was killed Friday in a tragic accident involving an unintentional discharge.

Credit:

Wake County SO


A Wake County, NC, Sheriff’s K-9 was shot and killed early Friday morning in a tragic accident.

Ad Loading...

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.”

Ad Loading...

More Special Units

patrolfinder - reducing crime thumbnail
SponsoredOctober 27, 2025

How One Police Department Cut Crime by 46% with Smarter Patrol Management

Discover how one police department cut crime nearly in half using smarter patrol data. This whitepaper breaks down the real-world strategy behind a 46% drop in vehicle thefts, improved officer safety, and stronger community visibility.

Read More →
Safariland header photo
Sponsoredby David ReederOctober 22, 2025

Is Your Duty Holster Duty Rated?

The first – and worst – time I had to fight to keep my gun, my holster and duty belt held up far better than my training did.

Read More →
Analysts reviewing geospatial data on multiple computer screens in a monitoring center
PatrolOctober 14, 2025

Ohio’s Statewide Drone First Responder Program to Take Flight

Over the next two years, the Ohio DFR Pilot Program will equip municipalities with advanced drone systems, deliver comprehensive training for first responders, and enable FAA-approved Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Memorial tribute for Sergeant Caleb Eisworth, Baton Rouge Police Department
Special UnitsAugust 11, 2025

Louisiana Motor Sergeant Dies from Injuries Suffered in June “Intentional” Crash

A motor officer, Sgt. Caleb Eisworth was on his way to participate in a funeral escort when he was struck by another vehicle.

Read More →
Assorted metal objects, electrical components, and colored tubes on industrial surface
Special UnitsAugust 4, 2025

Tennessee Officers Say Man Tried to Detonate IED During Arrest

Inside the bedroom officers found what they believed to be an IED. The officers evacuated the house and called for the Chattanooga Police Bomb Squad and ATF agents.

Read More →
Smiling police officer in black uniform standing in front of American flag
Special UnitsJuly 31, 2025

Florida School Officer Dies After On-Duty Medical Emergency

Sergeant Greg Graff was “preparing school leaders for the upcoming year during a safety training program at Clearwater High School,” the school district said.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Law enforcement press conference with officials at podium with sheriff's badge
Special UnitsJuly 28, 2025

Grenade is Missing from Explosion That Killed 3 LASD Deputies

ATF Special Agent in Charge Kenny Cooper said definitively that only one grenade detonated at the facility on July 18.

Read More →
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department official badge and portrait with American flag
Special UnitsJuly 21, 2025

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Names Deputies Lost in Friday Explosion

LASD said Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Detective Victor Lemus, and Detective William Osborn who were all assigned to Special Enforcement Bureau’s Arson Explosives Detail were killed in the incident.

Read More →
Medical helicopter landed on grassy field near ambulance with people nearby
Special UnitsJuly 21, 2025

Maryland State Police Helicopter Rescues Victim from Overturned Boat in Chesapeake Bay

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 7 crew, the MSP helicopter based in California, Maryland, were monitoring the county dispatch radio, overheard the dispatch, and self-launched.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Special UnitsJuly 18, 2025

3 Los Angeles County Deputies Killed in Explosion Friday Morning

At press time the names of the deputies had not been released. Sheriff Robert Luna said one had served for 19 years, another for 22 years, and another for 33 years.

Read More →