Wake County Sheriff's Office mourns death of K-9 accidentally shot by Knightdale officer

The Wake County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) is mourning the loss of a K-9 accidentally shot in the line of duty by another officer.

Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence Capps said his officers stopped a suspect near the Carrington Woods neighborhood along North Smithfield Road around 12:30 a.m. for a traffic stop. The driver of the car ran into a nearby wooded area, and police requested help from the sheriff's office.

K-9 Santos and his handler were tracking the suspect when the Knightdale officer accidentally fired a shot, hitting the dog.

K-9 Santos was rushed to the North Carolina State Veterinary Hospital, where he died.

Ravon Williams, 21, was charged with resisting public officer by Knightdale police.

The sheriff's office released the following statement:

K-9 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 K-9. We thank him for his loyalty and service.

This loss comes during a month focused on remembering the law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Our K-9s are part of our law enforcement family, and we mourn the loss of K-9 Santos.

“We are truly heartbroken over this tragedy,” said Capps. “All law enforcement officers understand the strong and undeniably special bond that exists between handlers and their K9 partners. The involved officer is very distraught, so I can only imagine the deep swell of grief our friends in the sheriff’s office must be feeling. We extended our sincerest apologies and deepest sympathies.”

A memorial for Santos was placed in front of the Public Safety Center on Salisbury Street in Raleigh. The WCSO and Knightdale police are scheduled to give an update on the situation on Friday afternoon.

The officer involved is on leave and not on duty, according to Knightdale police. The officer involved has been with law enforcement for about 18 months.

Santos was the longest serving K-9 in the WCSO.

Wake Sheriff Willie Rowe described Santos as skillful, dedicated and very attached to his handler.

"We're standing shoulder-to-shoulder to comfort one another," Rowe said in light of the death. "This is a day no one looks forward to."

"It's really a heartbreaking tragedy," Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence Capps said. "The remorse, the level of grief is palpable, there is no playbook for something exactly like this."

"The loss of a police K-9 is just as impactful of the loss of a human being," Capps said.

An investigation is ongoing.