Doggies.com and breeders.net extend their sympathies to the Norfolk, VA police department on the passing of their beloved K-9 officer Krijger. The local ABC affiliate, 13 NewsNow, reported on the tragedy.
Coming less than 24 hours after the death of Jethro, a Canton, Ohio, K-9, the death has rocked the Norfolk community. A domestic dispute turned deadly after Keith Richardson barricaded himself inside his house. Police were called to the scene at approximately 6 pm on Sunday when Mrs. Richardson escaped the home and advised her husband was armed.
After seven hours of negotiation, Richardson came out of the house and began firing, causing Krijger to leap into action early Monday morning. Richardson shot the 4-year old Belgian Malinois, causing police to return fire.
Richardson is recovering from his wounds at a nearby hospital; Krijger was not so lucky. “Krijger was a dedicated and loyal member of the K9 Unit and will be missed by his handler and the men and women of the Norfolk Police Department,” police said in a statement Monday.
Charges for Richardson will include abduction, robbery, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and brandishing a firearm. No word on whether or not a charge will be added for killing the dog, a Class 5 felony in Virginia. I was unable to find a clear-cut sentencing guideline for the Commonwealth, but the statute reads that a person who kills a police dog must pay restitution for the dog’s loss, including training expenses. The last time I checked, this amount is often in excess of $15,000.
I will report developments in this case, as well as funeral service announcements, as they become available. Check back often.
#RIPKrijger You did a very good job. Rest easy – others have the watch from here.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog