Savannah Police K-9 killed in rollover crash

The Savannah Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their K-9’s who died in an early morning rollover crash, officials announced late Sunday afternoon. Around 2:15 a.m., Officer Jon Lindsey was responding to a call when his vehicle was involved in a crash at Price and Liberty streets which caused it to overturn.K-9 Jas, who was in the backseat of the SUV outfitted for K-9s, died as a result of the crash. Officer Lindsey was treated and released from the hospital. Jas, a 3-year-old Belgium Malinois, joined SPD in Summer 2019 and was originally assigned to Cpl. Michael Drayton. He was certified as a dual purpose patrol/drug dog. Following Cpl. Drayton’s retirement, Jas was assigned to Sgt. Eric Dukarski. In March 2021, Officer Lindsey joined the Canine Unit and became the permanent handler for Jas. The team became certified as a patrol/drug dog team in April 2021 and worked together on the SPD SWAT team. The department says in just four months since the team had been together, they were responsible for 37 arrests, 26 of which were felonies with one physical apprehension. The team completed three article tracks, five tracks, 63 drug searches and three building searches. The team is also responsible for the seizure of 121.15 grams of marijuana, 36.3 grams of meth, 284.3 grams of heroin, 26 guns, $10,218 in cash, and 10 vehicles. The department asks for people to keep Officer Lindsey and the Canine Unit in your thoughts and prayers. Memorial plans are being made and will be released at a later time. Georgia State Patrol is investigating the crash. At this time it’s unclear what kind of call Officer Lindsey and K-9 Jas were responding to or whether any other vehicles were involved.