Police: Officer & K9 Killed During Manhunt

Описание: The search for a double homicide suspect ends in the murder of a dedicated officer and his K9 dog.

Forest Service Officer Jason Crisp, 39, of Marion and his dog, Maros, were killed during the manhunt for Troy David Whisnant, 38.

The search for Whisnant started around noon Wednesday, just north of Morganton. The Burke County Sheriff said deputies were asked to check the home of a local a couple. The woman living at the residence had not been seen by her co-workers since last Friday. When deputies arrived at the home they found the bodies of Levi and Rhonda Whisnant. Investigators think the couple was killed days earlier. Stolen vehicles prompted authorities to look for the couple's son, Troy Whisnant.

Before he was an officer at the U.S. Forest Service Office in Nebo,
Officer Crisp was a McDowell County deputy. Officer Crisp began working
at the McDowell County Sheriff's Office in 1997. A year after joining
the force, he was hired on as a full-time employee. Officer Crisp left
the sheriff's office in 2004 to go work for the U.S. Forest Service. Sheriff Dudley Greene says news of Officer Crisp's death was heartbreaking.

"We've lost a dear friend, And
you know all these feelings hit you at one time and it is a hard thing
to think through and get your mind wrapped around," said Sheriff Dudley
Greene.

Sheriff Greene said he's never met anyone more dedicated
to his job and that's why he wasn't surprised to hear that Officer
Crisp volunteered to help Burke County deputies track down Whisnant.

The
mountains saluted the local officer this afternoon. The body of Officer
Crisp was escorted home to McDowell County by federal, state and local law enforcement. Other emergency responders and drivers stopped to watch the procession and pay their respects.

A dedication Facebook page has been set up for Officer Crisp and Maros. Click here to be taken to the page.

Related Links:
Murderer's Violent Past
Ranger, Double Murder Suspect Killed During Manhunt

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