James Muhlbauer Wiki – James Muhlbauer Biography
A community in Missouri is mourning the death of a police officer and his K-9 partner who were killed in an accident while sitting in their patrol car. A pedestrian man was also killed after the fatal collision. The Kansas City Police Department shared news of the deaths in a statement Thursday, identifying the KCPD victims as Officer James Muhlbauer, 42, and Champ, his K-9 partner.
“Muhlbauer and Champ were in their patrol car when a vehicle struck them near the intersection of Truman Rd. and Benton Blvd. shortly after 10:15 p.m.,” the department said. Champ, a 3-year-old Dutch Shepherd, was pronounced dead at the scene, along with a pedestrian who had been struck. The KCPD simply described the third victim as a man in his 50s. His identity has not been made public; however, officials asked the public to pray for his family.
James Muhlbauer Age
James Muhlbauer was 35 years old.
James Muhlbauer Cause of Death
Muhlbauer, who was also a husband and father, was rushed to the hospital where he died. He suffered life-threatening injuries and “the doctors treated him, but could not save him. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said, according to the Associated Press, that police officers from another department brought Champ’s remains to the hospital so he and Muhlbauer could enjoy what Graves called a “hero escort” for last time.
“You live with your dog, your partner, your family lives with your partner,” Graves said, according to the AP. “You go to work every day. You train every day. You literally eat, sleep, and live with your partner. They are more than a dog. They really are the best companions you could have.”
Before Muhlbauer’s death, a KCPD officer had not been killed in the line of duty for him since May 2001, the department said in its statement. He also saluted Muhlbauer as a 20-year veteran who had served as a patrol officer “his entire career on patrol, including the last three years in the K-9 Unit.”
Champ joined the KCPD force last year and lived with Muhlbauer and the late officer’s family. The KCPD said it is investigating the accident, “including the possibility that the driver of the striking vehicle had impaired driving.” The case will go to the prosecutor’s office after the KCPD concludes its investigation.
The department is preparing memorial services and plans to share details with the public when they are completed, according to the KCPD statement. Local residents can pay tribute by placing flowers on a patrol vehicle located in front of Police Headquarters at 1125 Locust St.
“It hurts us,” the KCPD added in a Facebook post. KCPD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. Mayor Quinton Lucas said the accident followed the injury of another officer who was shot at department headquarters after the Kansas City Chiefs played in the Super Bowl on Sunday night, according to the AP. “We all grieve with the Kansas City Police Department, the women and the men of the department,” Lucas said. “We certainly grieve with the officer’s family.”
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