Police K9 leaves vet hospital as search for suspect continues

SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — The Southaven Police Department continues to actively search for a suspect identified as Ronald (Bubba) Pilkington following an incident where a police K9 was injured.

Authorities report that Pilkington is wanted for fleeing a traffic stop. During the incident, the K9 officer, named Dagger, was injured.

Pilkington was last seen running northbound on Highway 51 from the Stateline Road area.

He is described as a white male, standing 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 175 pounds. When last seen, he was wearing a brown canvas-style jacket, dark-colored pants, and white shoes.

Dagger, a Belgian Malinois, has been with the department for almost two years.

Friday, Nov. 14, police reported that Dagger was well enough to go home.

“He is being released from the hospital and is going home to recover,” police said in a statement. “Thank you to everyone who has asked about him and sent prayers for his recovery. We extend sincere thanks and appreciation to Precious Paws Animal Hospital and Memphis Veterinary Specialists for providing outstanding care to Dagger, as well as to the Memphis Police Department for their assistance during this incident.”

Police were continuing to look for Pilkington and are urging the public to be on the lookout for him.

Edward Smith, a passenger in the vehicle, was arrested at the scene on felony warrants from another state:

• Possession of a weapon by a felon
• Disorderly conduct
• Failure to obey
• Possession of paraphernalia