K9 Knight - Chesterfield County Police Department - Virginia

On May 31, 2026, officers from the Chesterfield County Police Department (Virginia) responded to a domestic incident in the 12900 block of Gumfork Place in Midlothian, Virginia at approximately 4:40 p.m..

The domestic incident involved a 911 call from a female requesting assistance as a man was firing a gun inside her home. When officers arrived, the suspect shot at the officers.  Unfortunately, K9 Knight was struck and killed. Two officers were also struck and were transported to local hospitals with critical wounds. The suspect was also shot in return fire, sustaining minor wounds. 

K9 Knight was a 5-year-old German Shepherd/Malinois mix from Slovakia.  K9 Knight faithfully served alongside his handler, Cpl. John Walsh, for the past four years. Together, they formed an unbreakable bond built on trust, loyalty and a shared commitment to protecting our community.

The suspect has been charged with 2 counts of attempted aggravated murder of a police officer, 2 counts of aggravated malicious wounding of a police officer, 1 count of killing a police dog, and 4 counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. 

Our prayers and condolences go out to the Chesterfield County Police Department and K9 Knight's handler.  We also prayer for the full and speedy recoveries for the officers who were critically wounded during the incident.