KSP releases details on shooting that injured suspect, killed police K-9 in Lebanon Junction

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Investigators with Kentucky State Police have released more details after a shoplifting suspect was gravely wounded by officers after he allegedly killed a police K-9 in Bullitt County late Wednesday night.

It started around 9 p.m. at a Dollar General store in Lebanon Junction, according to a news release from KSP. Police responded to a report of a shoplifter, and when officers arrived, the suspect was standing outside the store "armed with a firearm." He began shooting at officers before taking off on foot.

"We and other agencies responded to an officer needs assistance call," Shepherdsville Police Chief Rick McCubbin said. "Upon arrival, some exchange went down with gunfire, three of our officers were directly involved."

K-9 Officer Dash was sent after the suspect, who was hiding nearby. As K-9 Dash was "attempting to restrain him, the individual discharged his firearm and struck the K-9." That's when "officers from the Shepherdsville Police Department and Bullitt County Sheriff's Office returned fire, hitting the suspect multiple times."

Dash died from his injuries.

Shepherdsville Police K9 Dash — Pictured: K-9 Dash, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on March 9, 2022. (Shepherdsville Police Department Facebook photo)

David Pate, who owns Sign Gypsies in Bardstown along with his wife, put up a tribute to Dash outside the police department.

The sign says, RIP K9 Dash EOW 3-9-22.

"Dash was one of their officers," Pate said. "I mean, it's not the same as a human being killed, but he was part of their force, and we certainly understand that and we appreciate the job that he did, and I know his handler is mourning today. We just hope that when people come by that they'll think about Dash again and think about supporting our police officers and realize they're in harm’s way every day. That could have been one of our human officers shot and killed."

David Pate, who owns Sign Gypsies in Bardstown along with his wife, put up a tribute to Dash outside the police department.

Officers administered first-aid to the suspect until EMS arrived. He was taken to University Hospital in Louisville where he was treated for "life-threatening injuries."

There's no word on the suspect's current condition. His name has not yet been released.

The flag at the Shepherdsville Police Department is at half staff to honor K-9's sacrifice.

"He absolutely did his job," McCubbin said. "Both of them. ... We're not talking about a police funeral today which is bad enough. He did his job."

McCubbin said Dash did not have his body armor on at the time because there wasn't time to put it on him, but believes the armor likely would not have made a difference.

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.