MOUNT AIRY, N.C. — A K-9 from the Mount Airy Police Department was shot and killed after a pursuit in Mount Airy on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
“I am heartbroken over the loss of K9 Draco! K9 Draco is a hero for protecting the deputies and officers. The staff of the Surry County Sheriff’s Office and I, have Chief Dale Watson and Corporal Hutchens, and all the law enforcement officers involved in the event in our thoughts and prayers,” Sheriff Steve Hiatt said.
The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office also shared their condolences about the loss.
"Sending our condolences. Rest in peace brother. You are a hero," the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office said in a comment in response to a Facebook post from the Mount Airy Police Department.
A service to honor K-9 Draco will take place on Friday, Nov. 1 at the Blackmon Amphitheater at 218 Rockford Street. The Mount Airy Police Department said the service will start around 10 a.m.
The Mount Airy Police Department was involved in a vehicle pursuit for a suspect who was wanted for a double homicide in Cumberland County. The pursuit began when the suspects fled after a suspicious vehicle complaint. The suspects struck another vehicle head-on on Riverside Drive during the pursuit, according to law enforcement.
The suspects were identified as Desmund Louis Moore, 42, of Fayetteville, Love Anna Smith, 45, of Fayetteville, and Robert Matthew Gelsomino, 26, of Fayetteville. They fled on foot from the scene following the crash.
Gelsomino was arrested by the Mount Airy Police Department and later turned over to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
Law enforcement officials from both the Surry County Sheriff’s Office and the Mount Airy Police Department followed Moore and Smith on foot until a wooded area off Paisley Drive in Mount Airy.
During an attempted arrest, Moore started firing shots at law enforcement and struck K-9 Draco. A deputy from the Surry County Sheriff’s Office and an officer from the Mount Airy Police Department returned fire in response.
Moore was later found dead from a gunshot wound.
Members from the Mount Airy Police Department and the Surry County Sheriff’s Office attempted to give medical aid to K-9 Draco on the scene. K-9 Draco was taken to Foothills Veterinary Hospital by Surry County Emergency Services but died from his injuries.
Smith was arrested and charged with the duty of a passenger to remain at the scene of an accident. She received a $500 secured bond and has a scheduled court date for Nov. 13. Smith is being held at the Surry County Detention Center.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident.
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