8/4/23 - Grand Rapids Officer and K-9 Unit Injured in Crash

Police are searching for a vehicle that transported several people away from the scene this morning.

At approximately 3:00 a.m., a GRPD K9 team was responding to a breaking and entering in progress. The cruiser was traveling southbound on Madison Ave SE with lights and sirens activated when it was struck by a vehicle traveling westbound on Hall St SE. Preliminary information is that the westbound vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed.  The driver fled the scene on foot.

The officer was pinned in the cruiser from the impact of the crash and had to be extricated by GRFD responders. He was not injured in the crash. The K9 suffered serious injuries. He is still being medically evaluated at this time.

Investigators are searching for an early-2010s Nissan Altima that arrived on scene immediately following the crash and took passengers from the offending vehicle away. The driver of the offending vehicle has not been located.

“If you know anything about this crash or those involved, please contact GRPD or Silent Observer,” said Chief Winstrom. “We need your help. We all want and deserve safe streets and this kind of reckless behavior is a danger to us all.”

There is no update to K9 Dozer's condition at this time.

This crash remains under investigation by the GRPD Traffic Unit. If you have any information on this crash, please contact officers at (616) 456-3771 or (616) 456-4282. Tips can also be sent anonymously thought Silent Observer (616) 774-2345 or Silent Observer.