No charges in K-9 Blitz’s death amid resignations and lawsuit

WADESBORO, N.C. — The police chief announced on Friday that no criminal charges will be filed in connection with the controversial shooting death of a K-9 in Wadesboro and also filed a lawsuit against the dog’s former owner.

Meanwhile, Blitz’s hander told her side of the story on social media.

Channel 9 has been following the developments ever since K-9 Blitz was shot and killed by a Wadesboro police officer on April 2. The dog was shot while they were working to apprehend a suspect, but the department hasn’t publicly said why the officer shot the dog.

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Blitz’s handler, Kayla Wright, posted photos and video of her with Blitz and also took some responsibility for the controversial incident in a lengthy Facebook post.

“This is 100% my fault,” Wright posted. “He got my hand, and I was not mad whatsoever because he was not trying to get me. Once he had my hand, I knew from issues he had prior that he would not let go of a toy. Blitz believed he had the toy.”

Wright added, “Minutes went by with me getting no help while he had my hand. I then stated he’d have to shoot him as no one was helping.”

Wright told Channel 9 on Friday that she resigned in lieu of being terminated.

Lawsuit

A lawsuit was filed by Interim Wadesboro Police Chief Jason Eschert against Blitz’s former owner, Josh Harrington.

Eschert claimed later on that the day Blitz was killed, Harrington initiated a smear campaign against Eschert and the Wadesboro Police Department.

In the suit, Eschert accuses Harrington of making and repeating false and defamatory statements orally, on social media, and to news outlets.

The lawsuit lists those statements that ranged from claims, allegedly by Harrington, that Blitz was executed, to posting that Eschert did that to Blitz.

The lawsuit says Harrington’s statements regarding Eschert were made maliciously, with actual malice, intentionally, in willful and wanton reckless disregard of Eschert.

Harrington’s attorney said, “I am encouraged to see the truth beginning to emerge, as former officers step forward to share what they know. While many aspects of this troubling incident remain unclear, the full scope of the facts will only come to light with the release of additional information, including the body-worn camera footage.”

Eschert is not only demanding $25,000 in damages, but he also wants the court to issue a permanent injunction to prevent Harrington from making any future statements that are false and defamatory concerning Eschert.

No charges

On Friday, Eschert announced that no charges would be filed in connection with K-9 Blitz’s death.

“After contacting the State Bureau of Investigations and Montgomery County District Attorney, who has jurisdiction over the area where the pursuit ended in the suspect’s arrest, has determined that no charges will be brought related to the K-9′s death,” Eschert wrote in a statement.

Eschert added that another officer involved in the case resigned because of the incident. It is unclear who that officer is.

Eschert said that with no charges being filed, the town is closing the case.

“With the conclusion of the District Attorney’s examination of this event, the Town of Wadesboro and Wadesboro Police Department are satisfied that it has taken all appropriate steps to address the situation,” Eschert said in a statement.

In the wake of Blitz’s death, members of the community have called for more transparency in the investigation.

Full statement from Harrington’s attorney, Chris Adkins, regarding the lawsuit:

“I am encouraged to see the truth beginning to emerge, as former officers step forward to share what they know. While many aspects of this troubling incident remain unclear, the full scope of the facts will only come to light with the release of additional information including the body-worn camera footage. Transparency is not optional—it is essential. Unfortunately, this situation could have—and should have—been handled far more responsibly if Interim Chief Eschert of the Wadesboro Police Department had prioritized accountability and openness from the beginning, instead of fashioning himself to be a victim. The true victims here are K9 officer Blitz and the First Amendment. K-9 Blitz was more than a police asset—he was a dedicated partner and a valued member of the community. He was misused and improperly deployed, placed in a situation he should never have been in. Despite that, he did exactly what was asked of him by Officer Wright, even under the direction of an inexperienced handler. For that, he paid the ultimate price. Blitz deserves justice. Now, my client is facing a defamation lawsuit and an injunction request filed by Interim Chief Eschert. This is not just a legal matter—it is a deeply troubling precedent. When government officials use the power of their office to retaliate against individuals who speak out, it poses a direct threat to our most fundamental freedoms.”

(VIDEO: ONLY ON 9: Suspect recalls what led up to fatal shooting of K-9 Blitz)