K-9 Valco

Indianapolis Police Department
Monday, July 17, 2000

Handler:
Officer James Thomas Jr.

Incident Details

Cause of Death:
Gunfire (Accidental)
Date/Time of Incident:
Monday, July 17, 2000

Incident to Death Duration:
Same day
Incident Location:
3400 block of North Kenwood Avenue, Indianapolis
Incident County:
Marion
Incident Township:
Center
Weapon Used:
Officer’s handgun
Suspect Disposition:
Charged

   K-9 Valco was accidentally shot and killed during an evening drug raid at a residence in the 3400 block of North Kenwood Avenue while officers executed a search warrant.

   When he and his handler were positioned at the rear of the house, his handler stumbled and dropped his leash. After hearing a commotion, K-9 Valco ran toward the front of the house where other officers were in position. As K-9 Valco approached them, he was shot three times by an officer who could not identify him as a police canine.

   An 85-year-old male suspect was arrested and charged with felony possession of marijuana and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon as well as misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

   K-9 Valco, a male Belgian Malinois, had served with the Indianapolis Police Department for one year.

The responsibilities of the Indianapolis Police Department (1854–2006) are now under the jurisdiction of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

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Indianapolis Police Department