K9 Blitz - Wadesboro Police Department - North Carolina

After only two months of service, Wadesboro Police Department (North Carolina) K9 Blitz was killed 4/2/25 during an arrest at the end of a vehicle pursuit.

Officers attempted to stop a vehicle on U.S. Highway 74 for fictitious plates. The driver fled, leading to a pursuit that lasted over twenty miles. When the suspect's vehicle's tires were blown in Mt. Gilead, the suspect attempted to flee on foot. K9 Blitz was deployed to apprehend the man. During the apprehension, K9 Blitz was shot and killed when the suspect resisted arrest.

The suspect, who had warrants out for his arrest, was charged with assaulting a law enforcement agency animal, eluding arrest, assault with a deadly weapon, multiple drug possession charges, and traffic violations.

Initial reports indicate that K-9 Blitz was killed by friendly fire. Blitz was a retired drug dog donated to the Wadesboro Police Department by a dog breeder in January. K-9 Blitz was trained in narcotics and tracking, not in apprehension.  After the suspect was captured, K9 Blitz became more aggressive and was tased and pepper-sprayed. When K9 Blitz attacked a third officer and would not let go, he was shot.

K9 Blitz had served with the Wadesboro Police Department for two months. Our thoughts and prayers for the department.