Law enforcement officers never know which way a domestic violence search warrant will go. They do their best to be prepared for all scenarios, but sometimes suspects make unexpected decisions that officers have to react to.
Domestic Warrant
At 10: 30 p.m., K9 Max and his handler joined the St. Joseph Police Department's Special Response Team to execute a search warrant. The domestic abuse search warrant was for 24-year-old Valdez McDonald.
The suspect locked himself inside the home. According to officers, the warrant was for a third-degree assault charge.
McDonald allegedly beat his mother with a two-by-four in the back of the head. He also is accused of slamming her head against a wall.
Officers attempted to talk with McDonald, but he took the opportunity to run out the house's back door. He did not make it very far before he was faced with K9 Max and his handler SJPD Officer Lucas Winder.
Chasing McDonald
Max and Winder chased after McDonald, who fired on the pair. K9 Max was injured fatally by the gunshot.
He was taken to Kansas City to an emergency vet but died there of his injuries. McDonald was arrested.
Armed criminal action was added to his original charges. The K9 had been with the SJPD for two years.
“It is with…great sorrow we must say goodbye to Max, our loyal and courageous teammate and friend who gave his life in the line of duty. We extend our deepest sympathies to his handler and partner, Officer Lucas Winder. Max made the ultimate sacrifice and we are eternally grateful.”
SJPD
Honoring Max
According to St. Joseph Post, Max's handler Officer Winder said that it "was like taking your best friend and kid to work every day."
“It’s funny because my wife or someone else would try and talk to him, he would just laser-beam focus on me. You could just tell our bond was just there. Unbreakable. It was beautiful. The kid was always there for me.”
Officer Winder
He also said each day with Max was a blessing and reiterated that he was grateful for their time together. Max's memorial on July 9 has hundred of people in attendance.
K9 officers are not just a dog to their handlers and their departments. They are very much so a part of the team, a trusted member who they rely on. It is clear that Max will be missed at SJPD.
The murder of officer Max should be treated as if he were a human officer. So tired of open season against cops.
Nancy I too am tried of the war on Police Officers that was started by obama. Things like this make me Sick. Max was doing his job and I agree with you about Max treated like human
You’re right
I value that dogs life far above that of this criminal, now that criminal needs to be put down just like he did with Max.
He needs to be hung in the town square where all can see what the murder of a police officer gets in return.
That lowlife scumbag should have been shot on the spot. He will only get a slap on the wrist and be out there assaulting people and trying to shoot more law enforcement officers. It's time to eradicate the world of these slime balls !!!!
RIP MAX !!!!!! THANKS for your service !!!!! Praying for his partner and his entire police family !!!!! Here in Oklahoma, killing a K9 officer is the same as killing an human officer, just as it should be !!!! I believe that law should be universal !!!!!!
That pos criminal should also remember that officer Max had MORE PEOPLE at his memorial service than that lowlife could ever hope to have...... BY HUNDREDS!!!!
My condolences is Max's handler....... anyone who has had a furry four-legged companion KNOWS how loyal they are; the wrong animal died that day!!!
That loser should face CAPITAL MURDER........ PERIOD!!
To ALL Patriots, Stay Safe from the leftie hoards and watch your six!!
Joe, Proud USAF vet.
TOO bad that , that inbred degenerate convict didn't catch one between the eyes !!! RIP Max , You are a HERO !!!
THAT WOULD RIP MY HEART OUT GOD LUV THIS SPECIAL PUP , JUST DOING HIS JOB . IT WOULD TAKE A LOT OF RESTRAINT FOR NOT KILLING THIS THUG . SO SORRY SIR MY HEART BLEEDS FOR U . MAY HE RIP
Aren't K9's considered police officers??? He should face charges on 2 count's of murder.