Pilgrim

Incident

K9 Pilgrim was struck and killed by a train while tracking one of three subjects who bailed out of a stolen vehicle near the intersection of Baltimore Avenue and Contee Road, in Laurel, at approximately 1:30 am.

Pilgrim and his handler, Corporal Charles Smith, had initiated an off-lead deployment into a wooded area where the three were last seen. One of the subjects suddenly appeared and then fled on foot, with Pilgrim in pursuit. Pilgrim became separated from his handler and could not be located despite a massive search.

The following morning the police department helicopter located Pilgrim's remains on nearby railroad tracks.

K9 Pilgrim had served with the Prince George's County Police Department for 3-1/2 years. He was the second K9 member of the agency to give his life in the line of duty.