Recognizing the heroic actions of Jamestown Police Department K-9 Officer Mitchell, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District) has introduced “Mitchell’s Law,” making it a felony to injure a K-9 officer in the line of duty.
K-9 Officer Mitchell, a six-year-old German Shepherd who has been a member of the Jamestown Police Department since 2011, was injured during a confrontation with suspected murderer Keith Robbins following a six-hour standoff.
During the apprehension of Robbins, K-9 Officer Mitchell was stabbed in the throat and under his jaw, causing the knife to penetrate his tongue, resulting in emergency surgery for his injuries.
“K-9 Officer Mitchell is a hero for his work assisting in the capture of a suspected murderer. His injuries were very serious and a stiffer penalty is warranted. It is a tragedy that Keith Robbins will face only minor consequences for attempting to take the life of K-9 Officer Mitchell,” said Senator Young.
Under current law, suspects can only be charged with a Class E felony for intentionally killing a police work dog or police work horse while such animal is performing its duties and under the supervision of a police officer. Because the wounds suffered by K-9 Officer Mitchell did not result in his death, Robbins can only receive a misdemeanor charge related to the attack.
Less than a month after being injured, K-9 Officer Mitchell made a full recovery and was back at work with his handler, Officer Kraft.
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