BREAKING| Wanted Fugitive on the Run After K-9 Tragedy
- BTW21
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (BTW21) — Authorities in Bedford County are actively searching for a wanted man connected to a previous high-speed chase and the tragic death of a police K-9.
The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshals are currently conducting a search in the 3400 block of Morgans Mill Road for 44-year-old Timothy Darnell Bryant, who is on foot in the area.
Bryant is described as a white male, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black hat, red shirt, and khaki shorts.
Officials urge residents to remove keys from their vehicles and keep them locked, as Bryant is allegedly known for stealing vehicles.
Anyone who has seen him since 4 p.m. on Monday is asked to call the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office at 540-586-7827.
Bryant is wanted on multiple felony charges, including:
Grand larceny
Felony eluding
Felony hit and run
Driving on a revoked or suspended license
These charges stem from an incident on April 18, 2025, in Roanoke, where police attempted a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle at a gas station in the 3900 block of Melrose Ave NW.
The driver fled, leading to a short pursuit that ended in the 4200 block of Vermont Ave NW.
As the suspect fled on foot, K-9 Knox, a 3-year-old German Shepherd with the Roanoke Police Department, was deployed to apprehend him.
Tragically, Knox was fatally struck by a police vehicle during the pursuit. He later died at Emergency Veterinarian Services.
A passenger in the vehicle, 34-year-old Stephini Salama of Roanoke, was arrested at the scene on unrelated active warrants and charged with Failure to Identify to Law Enforcement.
The Roanoke Police Department has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of K-9 Knox, who joined the department in May 2023 and was trained in narcotics detection and patrol apprehension.
“We bear the weight of this loss with solemn reflection,” said Chief Scott Booth. “RPD will forever honor Knox and his life of service to our community.”
An internal review of the incident is ongoing, and funeral arrangements for K-9 Knox will be announced soon.
Anyone with information on Timothy Bryant’s whereabouts is also urged to contact the Roanoke Police Department at 540-344-8500.
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