Kansas City police identify officer, K-9 killed in crash

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) – The Kansas City Police Department has identified the officer and the police dog who were killed in the line of duty Wednesday night.

Chief Stacey Graves said James Muhlbauer and his K-9, named Champ, were in a police vehicle when a car struck and killed them.

Muhlbauer was a 20-year veteran with the police force. K-9 Champ had been working for one year.

“K-9 Champ lived with Muhlbauer and his family. Mulhbauer was married and a father. Please pray for them,” the police department said.

A man in his 50s, who was a pedestrian, also died in the crash. He has not yet been identified.

The driver of the vehicle that crashed into the police cruiser suffered minor injuries and was taken into custody. His identity has not yet been released.

Donations can be made to Muhlbauer’s family here.