Latest news with #JasonEschert
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Dog trainer countersues former interim Wadesboro police chief over K-9's death
A dog trainer has filed a countersuit against the former interim Wadesboro police chief over a K-9 killed by a fellow officer. ALSO READ: No charges in K-9 Blitz's death amid resignations and lawsuit Jason Eschert sued the K-9's former owner, Joshua Harrington, back in April for defamation over the department's handling of the death of K-9 Blitz. Blitz was shot and killed after biting an officer during a chase on April 2. Harrington is accusing the former interim chief of negligence and fraud. VIDEO: Suspect recalls what led up to fatal shooting of K-9 Blitz
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
Wadesboro Police Chief announces retirement, citing threats following K-9 controversy
Wadesboro Police Department's Interim Police Chief Jason Eschert announced his retirement effective as of Friday. Eschert informed Town Manager Wiley Ross of his intent to retire on Monday, according to a press release. 'While the timing was unexpected, we respect Eschert's decision and thank him for his service to our community,' Ross said. 'We remain committed to the safety and well-being of our citizens as we navigate this period of transition.' Eschert had served as the interim police chief for three months. During that time, a controversy arose after a Wadesboro police officer shot and killed K-9 Blitz in the field. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: No charges in K-9 Blitz's death amid resignations and lawsuit ONLY ON 9: Suspect recalls what led up to fatal shooting of K-9 Blitz K-9 killed in Wadesboro removed from service due to aggression, Virginia State Police say 'Needs to be honored': Community calls for transparency after K-9's death in Wadesboro Wadesboro mourns K-9 officer killed during traffic stop Previous owner criticizes role of K-9 killed in line of duty The interim police chief, his officers and town officials were receiving threats of violence, according to officials. Ross said escalating threats were the reason for Eschert's retirement. 'This has been a difficult time for our department and our community, and we understand the emotions this has stirred,' Ross said. 'As we process this tragedy and departure, our focus now turns to healing, supporting our officers and rebuilding trust within the community.' In the meantime, Sergeant Tameka Nolen will oversee administrative duties within the department until June 6 and former Police Chief Thedis Spencer will return from retirement to serve as interim chief. WATCH: No charges in K-9 Blitz's death amid resignations and lawsuit
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
Interim Wadesboro Police Chief retiring after threats stemming from K9's death
WADESBORO, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Wadesboro Police Department's Interim Police Chief Jason Eschert is retiring due to threats stemming from . Eschert, who has held the position for three months, effectively retired on Friday, May 9, the department announced. 'While the timing was unexpected, we respect Eschert's decision and thank him for his service to our community,' Town Manager Wiley Ross said. 'We remain committed to the safety and well-being of our citizens as we navigate this period of transition.' Eschert reportedly notified town officials of his retirement on Monday, May 5, due to violent threats directed at him, members of his department, and town officials. Officials said the threats were from the unfortunate incident on April 2, when K-9 officer Blitz was shot and killed. No charges filed in Wadesboro K-9 Officer Blitz's death, officers resign 'This has been a difficult time for our department and our community, and we understand the emotions this has stirred,' Ross said. 'As we process this tragedy and departure, our focus now turns to healing, supporting our officers and rebuilding trust within the community.' Eschert is a 17-year veteran police officer with experience as a K-9 sergeant and trainer who came to the Wadesboro Police Department from the Oakboro Police Department. During his three-month tenure, he boosted recruitment efforts to bring the department to full staff and led community policing efforts by engaging with adolescents in schools and throughout the community, the department said. Of the course of his career, he's earned numerous Life Saving Awards for his work with K-9 Joker. RELATED: Officer in Stanly County awarded Medal of Valor for disarming shooter, saving 2 Former Wadesboro Police Chief Thedis Spencer will return to the department to serve as the interim chief on June 6. He after a 30-year career in law enforcement. In the meantime, Sgt. Tameka Nolen will oversee administrative duties. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Yahoo
No charges filed after Wadesboro K-9′s death
The controversial death of a K-9 in Wadesboro won't result in any criminal charges against those involved, the police chief announced on Friday. Channel 9 has been following the developments ever since K-9 Blitz was shot and killed by a Wadesboro police officer on April 2, 2025. 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. On Friday, Wadesboro Police Chief Jason Eschert announced that no charges will be filed in connection with K-9 Blitz's death. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ONLY ON 9: Suspect recalls what led up to fatal shooting of K-9 Blitz K-9 killed in Wadesboro removed from service due to aggression, Virginia State Police say 'Needs to be honored': Community calls for transparency after K-9′s death in Wadesboro Wadesboro mourns K-9 officer killed during traffic stop Previous owner criticizes role of K-9 killed in line of duty '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 two police officers involved in the case have resigned because of the incident. Channel 9 has reached out to one of the officers involved in the case for a statement. The officer has not given us a comment yet. 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. >>This is a developing story, watch Channel 9 at 11 p.m. for the latest on this case. (VIDEO: ONLY ON 9: Suspect recalls what led up to fatal shooting of K-9 Blitz)
