ROANOKE, Va. – Update:
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The Roanoke Police Department said in a social media post on Friday that they were grateful for the outpouring of support from the community for K-9 Knox and his partner, Officer Frosell.
The Department also stated the following in the post:
“In lieu of flowers, a donation box for dog items has been set up in the lobby of the police station to benefit area animal shelters and pet pantries.”
Original Story:
The Roanoke Police Department (RPD) is mourning the line of duty death of K-9 Knox, a three-year-old German Shepherd who served as a narcotics detection and patrol apprehension K-9.
On April 18, 2025, around 1:40 a.m., authorities have said they spotted a stolen vehicle at a gas station in the 3900 block of Melrose Avenue NW. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle fled but became inoperable in the 4200 block of Vermont Avenue NW.
During the pursuit, K-9 Knox was released to apprehend the suspect, but tragically, an officer’s vehicle accidentally struck him. K-9 Knox was taken to Emergency Veterinarian Services, where he later died.
The driver, 44-year-old Timothy Darnell Bryant of Roanoke, is wanted on multiple charges, including grand larceny and felony eluding. Authorities urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the Roanoke Police Department at 540-344-8500.
A passenger, 34-year-old Stephini Salama, was arrested at the scene on outstanding warrants and charged with failure to identify to law enforcement, PD reported.
K-9 Knox joined the RPD in May 2023 and was a valued member of the team. Funeral arrangements will be announced soon, and an internal review of the incident is ongoing.
Chief Scott Booth stated, “We bear the weight of this loss with solemn reflection. RPD will forever honor Knox and his life of service to our community.” The department also expressed gratitude to Emergency Veterinarian Services for their compassionate care of K-9 Knox.