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Died – 2/3/24
Handler – Deputy Josh Matthews
UNKNOWN DRIVER HITS AND KILLS CUMBERLAND COUNTY K-9 OFFICER
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is looking into an incident Saturday where an unknown driver struck and killed a K-9 officer.The report states Deputy Josh Matthews placed K-9 Shadow in her outside kennel near Highway 70 North and Bent Tree Drive.Deputy Matthews let K-9 Shadow use the bathroom outside and fed Shadow for the end of the shift.The deputy went to leash K-9 Shadow to move her into the inside kennel.The K-9 exited the outside kennel before the deputy was able to secure the leash.Deputy Matthews gave repeated verbal commands for Shadow to stop but the canine did not.Deputy Matthews went after Shadow with his flashlight shining on the canine.K-9 Shadow continues in the ditch line for Highway 70 North. At this point, Deputy Matthews observed a dark-color, four-door sedan traveling on the highway. The officer attempted to illuminate K-9 Shadow and use the strobe pattern on his flashlight to draw attention to the oncoming car.K-9 Shadow went onto the highway.The driver hit Shadow, sending the canine into the air and landing in the opposite lane of travel.The motorist continued without stopping or making an attempt to stop.K-9 Shadow passed away from injuries sustained in the impact.Deputy Matthews noticed what appeared to be parts from the vehicle on the highway that struck Shadow.K-9 Shadow was taken to Happy Trails Pet Cremation.K-9 Shadow was a valued member of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. She will be missed by many.“This devastating incident has left the entire law enforcement community and our local community in mourning. Deputy Shadow was a dedicated and beloved member of our team, serving with loyalty and distinction,” said Cumberland County Sheriff Casey Cox.Cox expressed the department’s deep regret at the loss of Deputy Shadow and conveyed gratitude for his unwavering service to the community.If you have any knowledge of who struck K-9 Shadow, please call the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office at (931) 484-6176. You can remain anonymous with your information.
