Shawnee police K9, Dagger, stabbed during standoff at KCK home
A K9 was injured when he was stabbed assisting police in response to a standoff in Kansas City, Kansas on Tuesday, police said.
Officers with the KCK police department responded around 3:45 a.m. to the 900 block of Riverview Avenue after a call about an assault between family members.
A caller advised a family member had not returned to the residence after an alleged assault with a knife earlier in the evening, said Officer T.J. Tomasic, a police spokesperson, in an email.
When officers arrived at the residence, a man barricaded himself inside, Tomasic said.
Officers with the Shawnee Police Department later assisted on scene with the help of a K9 unit. As officers made entry into the home to arrest the man, the K9 was stabbed, Tomasic said.
The 4-year-old K9, named Dagger, was taken to an area veterinarian and is expected to make a full recovery.
The suspect involved in the standoff surrendered around 7:30 a.m., and was taken into custody, Tomasic said.
Dagger began his tenure as a K9 at the Shawnee Police Department in May 2023, according to Emily Rittman, a Shawnee police spokesperson.
“We are grateful that K9 Dagger is expected to make a full recovery,” Rittman said. “He is a valued member of our team, and we appreciate the support and well wishes as he continues to heal.”
The KCK police department continues to investigate the standoff and what led to the K9’s stabbing.
This story was originally published August 5, 2025 at 10:45 AM.
