K9 Hero

King

Bell County Sheriff's Department — Pineville, KY

Vehicular assault Australian Cattle Dog

Service Record

End of Watch January 10, 2008

Gender Male

Weapon Automobile

K9 Profile

Breed Australian Cattle Dog

Cause Vehicular assault

Agency

Department Bell County Sheriff's Department

Location Pineville, KY

Incident

K9 King and his handler, Deputy Sheriff Sean Pursifull, were killed when their parked patrol car was intentionally rammed by a suspect fleeing a trooper from the Kentucky State Police. The two juvenile suspects in the car had just stolen gas from a service station in Baxter and then fled down US 119.

As the occupants fled from the state troopers, the driver crossed the centerline and rammed Deputy Pursifull's patrol car.

The two suspects were taken into custody and charged with murder and assault on a service animal. The driver of the vehicle later plead guilty to wanton murder.