Police K-9 found dead in handler’s car

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR/Gray News) - A Virginia police department’s K-9 died Sunday night.

The Charlottesville Police Department said K-9 Blue was found unresponsive in a police vehicle at his handler’s home in Greene County before he was pronounced dead.

According to the Charlottesville Police Department’s website, Officer Darius Nash was Blue’s handler.

K-9 Blue specialized in tracking and joined the Charlottesville Police Department as a four-month-old puppy in 2023.

“K-9 partners are more than working animals; they are members of our department family. They are trained and trusted to serve alongside their handlers in keeping our community safe. The loss of a K-9 partner is felt deeply throughout the entire agency,” the Charlottesville Police Department shared in a statement.

The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is currently investigating the K-9’s death.