Roanoke Police K-9 Knox killed during pursuit of stolen vehicle

Roanoke Police Department's K-9 Knox, a 3-year-old German shepherd trained in narcotics detection and suspect apprehension, died after being struck by a patrol car during a pursuit of a fleeing suspect. The incident occurred early Friday morning when officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle, whose driver then fled and abandoned the car. Knox was released to pursue the suspect, but was accidentally struck by another officer's vehicle and later died at an emergency veterinary clinic. The driver, Timothy Darnell Bryant, is wanted on multiple charges including grand larceny and felony alluding, while the passenger, Stephini/Stephanie Salama, was arrested on outstanding warrants and charged with failure to identify to law enforcement. Police Chief Scott Booth expressed deep sorrow at the loss and praised Knox's service, with funeral arrangements pending and an internal investigation ongoing. The department has set up a donation box for animal shelters in Knox's honor and thanked the emergency veterinary staff for their care.