Off-Duty Jefferson County K-9 Bites Child and Father After Jumping Fence
An off-duty K-9 from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office bit a child and the child’s father on Sunday after escaping its enclosure.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on August 11, when K-9 handler Zachary Oliver and his dog, Ragnar, were at their Castle Rock home. The K-9 managed to escape from an outdoor enclosure, jump a 5-foot fence separating the handler’s yard from a neighboring property, and bite a child.
When the child’s father attempted to intervene, he was also bitten. Upon realizing the dog had escaped, Oliver quickly controlled the K-9, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Both the child and the father were injured and taken to a local hospital. They are now recovering at home.
“We are devastated by this incident and are fully committed to supporting the family during their recovery,” the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Oliver, who was reached by phone on Wednesday, declined to comment, stating he would consult with his attorney first.
Oliver has been placed on paid administrative leave while investigations are conducted by both the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Castle Rock Police Department. K-9 Ragnar is currently under a mandatory 10-day quarantine, during which the dog is not allowed to interact with anyone except the handler and other animals. The sheriff’s office is also evaluating Ragnar’s future as an active member of the K-9 unit.
Oliver previously handled K-9 Graffit, who was killed in a shooting in February 2023.
