UPD police dog shot and killed in fugitive arrest
MILLCREEK, Utah — (KUTV) A Unified Police dog named Dingo was killed Thursday during an early morning chase and arrest of a wanted fugitive in Millcreek.
The dog was deployed after a fugitive, identified as Torey Chase Massey, 28, tried to run away from police after a car chase that ended in the area of Brickyard Plaza at 3300 S. 1100 East. Police say Massey fired several shots at the dog, leaving the K-9 officer with critical wounds. The dog was taken to an animal hospital where he was pronounced dead. Massey was later captured and taken into custody of the U.S. Marshals.
According to a written statement from UPD, officers were assisting the U.S. Marshal's Violent Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team in locating Massey, a wanted parole fugitive. Police said Massey was wanted for theft, robbery and aggravated assault and was also suspected of fleeing from UPD's Metro Gang Unit last week.
Massey was spotted driving in the Millcreek area at around 1 a.m. Thursday morning. Officers attempted to stop his vehicle with spike strips, but Massey continued driving, ultimately coming to a stop in the Brickyard area, police said. Massey tried to run away from his vehicle, and police deployed the K-9 officer to help capture the suspect. Police said officers could hear the dog capturing Massey followed by the sound of several gunshots. Massey broke free from the dog but was later captured by other officers.
Salt Lake City Police will investigate the dog's death.
Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder spoke to the media Thursday morning at 7:30. You can watch the press conference here.
Donations can be made for Dingo at Mountain American Credit Union.
