K9 Nitro II

Nitro II

K9 Nitro II was killed in a vehicle crash when a subject stole her handler's vehicle and intentionally drove into another car and a passing train on Delaware Avenue near 19th Street.

Deputies had responded to a vehicle driving erratically around 11:00 pm and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and lead deputies on a pursuit with speeds exceeding 100 mph. The subject suddenly stopped and exited his vehicle. He disobeyed officers' commands, concealed his hands, and stated he wanted to die. He was able to get into the patrol car containing Nitro II and fled.

The stolen patrol vehicle stopped on the railroad tracks as a train approached. As soon as the train was close, the suspect proceeded north, and the oncoming train blocked the officers on the south side of the tracks. The man drove a short distance away, turned around, and headed back towards the train at a high rate of speed. He intentionally drove into a bystander's vehicle, pushing it into the train and killing its driver and K9 Nitro II. The subject was also killed in the crash.

K9 Nitro II had served with the York County Sheriff's Department for six months.