Man Who Killed Kansas Police K9 Headed to Prison

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man will go to prison for killing a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office K9.

Kaylon Kirkwood, 25, of Wichita, was sentenced to nearly 2 1/2 years for assaulting a law enforcement officer and another year in prison for injuring or killing a dog, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

In November, the Wichita Police Department’s Domestic Intervention and Violence Reduction Team was in the area of ​​Pawnee and Rock trying to locate a robbery suspect, who was later identified as Kirkwood, according to Wichita Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

Police found Kirkwood shortly after noon, but he had fled into a creek, barricaded himself in a storm drain and refused to come out.

Sheriff’s deputies and police used long leashes and sent K9 officers into the canal. An altercation ensued between Kirkwood County Sheriff’s and Sedgwick County Sheriff’s K9 Bane. The dog was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Moses.

Just after 2:30 p.m., Kirkwood was finally arrested and taken to be treated for minor injuries inflicted by the dog. After Kirwood was released, police booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail.

In May, Kansas lawmakers voted to overturn the veto of House Bill 2583, known as “Bane’s Law.” The bill increases penalties for harming law-enforcement animals, including horses. The offense is now punishable by at least 90 days in jail and a minimum fine of $10,000.

The law was inspired by Bane, a Sedgwick County K9 officer.

Officers chased Kirkwood in November 2023. Kirkwood tried to hide in a storm drain near Rock Road and Pawnee. Police K9 Bane was sent to retrieve Kirkwood. Police said Kirkwood strangled Bane.

Judge Eric Williams ordered $38,379.98 in restitution to cover the costs of a new dog, a K9 bulletproof vest, training, Bane’s autopsy and cremation. Restitution was owed to several parties because the sheriff’s office received donations that covered some of the items.

In an unrelated case, Kirkwood pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and obstructing law enforcement. Kirkwood was sentenced to 29 months for the assault and seven months for obstructing. All sentences are to be served consecutively. The sentences are the maximum allowed under Kansas law.