Suspect linked to Southaven K9 Dagger’s injury captured in Tipton County attic

Photos courtesy Tipton County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook

DRUMMONDS, Tenn. — The fugitive manhunt following an incident that left a Southaven police dog with severe injuries came to an end Tuesday afternoon in Tipton County.

Ronald Pilkington, who had been sought by the Southaven Police Department since Nov. 11, was taken into custody around 4:40 p.m. after law enforcement discovered him hiding in the attic of a residence on Simmons Road in Drummonds.

Pilkington became the subject of a “Be On the Look Out” (BOLO) alert last week after allegedly fleeing from Southaven officers on foot. During the pursuit, Southaven K9 Dagger was struck by a vehicle, sustaining severe injuries.

According to the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, detectives immediately recognized Pilkington from the initial BOLO. He is a resident of Tipton County and was already wanted on outstanding warrants in Tennessee at the time of the Southaven encounter.

The arrest was a coordinated effort involving Tipton County deputies, the U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force, and the Memphis Safe Task Force.

“Pilkington’s time on the run came to an end today in Tipton County,” said Tipton County Sheriff Shannon Beasley. “He is no stranger to our system and has warrants here in Tennessee to satisfy before going to Southaven.”

Authorities confirmed that Pilkington will face his charges in Tennessee before being extradited to Mississippi.

Sheriff Beasley expressed support for the injured police dog, who has since been released from the hospital to recover at home.

“My hope is that Pilkington will spend enough time in Tennessee so K9 Dagger will have time to heal and possibly have his opportunity to face Pilkington while he walks him into the DeSoto County jail to be booked,” Beasley said.

While K9 Dagger is now recovering at home, officials note he faces a long road of rehabilitation.