K9 Graffit

Graffit

K9 Graffit was shot and killed while assisting in the search for an armed subject.

Officers with the Golden Police Department and the Colorado School of Mines Police Department attempted to apprehend a man who was unconscious in his vehicle near 19th Street and Elm Street at about 12:15 am. When officers tried to wake him he drove away but stopped at 19th Street and Tangent Way. As officers approached him again he rammed several patrol cars in an attempt to escape. The officers broke the driver's window and put the car in park, but the subject fled on foot into a wooded area while pointing a handgun at them.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Canine Unit joined the search for the armed subject. When K9 Graffit located the man, the subject fired multiple shots, striking K9 Graffit. A deputy returned fire but did not hit the man who continued to hide until surrendering around 5:00 am.

K9 Graffit had served with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for 7 1/2 years.