GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The Gloucester Township Police Department is commemorating the sacrifice of K-9 Schultz, who was killed in the line of duty on November 30, 2010, while assisting in the pursuit of robbery suspects.
K-9 Schultz was deployed after two suspects assaulted an employee during a robbery at the Lucky Dragon Chinese Restaurant on Church Street in the Blackwood section of Gloucester Township. The suspects fled the scene on foot, prompting a police search that led Schultz to track one of them near the Route 42 highway and Blackwood Clementon Road off-ramp.
During the chase, Schultz attempted to apprehend the suspect by latching onto his arm. The man flung the 85-pound dog into oncoming traffic on Route 42, where Schultz was struck by a vehicle and killed instantly. The suspect, who was grazed by the same vehicle, fled into a wooded area.
A manhunt ensued, with the parking lot of Highland Regional High School serving as the command post. Police captured the suspect responsible for Schultz’s death two hours later in a nearby neighborhood. The second suspect was apprehended the following day.
“On this day, we remember K-9 Schultz for his service, bravery, and ultimate sacrifice in protecting our community,” the department stated.