Man fatally shot by police after stabbing K-9 during arrest warrant execution

K-9 Officer Kane. (Photo courtesy of the Ocean County Sheriff's Department)

K-9 Officer Kane. (Photo courtesy of the Ocean County Sheriff's Department)

A 39-year-old Ocean County man was fatally shot by police Monday after he stabbed a K-9 during the execution of an arrest warrant, authorities said.

Edward M. Walsh of Manahawkin was wanted for allegedly committing violent crimes against his girlfriend in Sayreville, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said in a news release issued Tuesday afternoon.

A preliminary investigation reveals that Walsh left Sayreville and drove south to Ocean County, where police received information that the man was at 914 Barnegat Lane in Mantoloking, Billhimer said.

Authorities believe Walsh was there because he was previously married to a family member of the prior owner.

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Mantoloking and Bay Head police officers were dispatched to the residence late Monday morning along with an Ocean County Sheriff’s Department officer and his K-9 Officer, Kane, according to Billhimer.

Prosecutors say that when officers entered the home about 45 minutes later with permission of the homeowner, they commanded Walsh to drop a knife he was holding.

When he refused the order, K-9 Officer Kane was released, and Walsh, who was within approximately 20 feet of the officers, stabbed the dog, according to Billhimer.

That’s when prosecutors say officers fired at Walsh, who also had a self-inflicted knife wound across his neck. He was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is pending.

“K-9 Officer Kane was transported to Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Tinton Falls and thankfully is expected to make a full recovery and be released tomorrow,” Billhimer said.

In accordance with state policy when deadly force is used, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office will review the investigation, authorities said. Billhimer said, also consistent with state policy, that the New Jersey State Police processed the scene since an Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Officer was involved.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Brant Uricks or
Lindsay Woodfield of Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (732) 929-2027.

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