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— What started as a hit-and-run investigation turned into a dangerous confrontation Monday afternoon when authorities say a Rocky Mount woman threatened law enforcement with a knife and stabbed a Henry County Sheriff's Office K-9 multiple times.
The Henry County Sheriff's Office said deputies assisted Virginia State Police around 2:35 p.m. September 28 following a hit-and-run crash in Henry County.
After the crash, a witness called 911 and provided information about the suspect, who had reportedly fled the scene on foot. That information helped authorities track the suspect to a wooded area.
Virginia State Police troopers and Henry County deputies located Taran Irene Maddy, 43, of Rocky Mount, who was believed to have been involved in the crash.
According to the Sheriff's Office, officers made repeated attempts to de-escalate the situation and convince Maddy to surrender.
Instead, authorities say Maddy produced an edged weapon believed to be a box cutter or razor-style knife and threatened officers with violence.
Less-lethal impact munitions were deployed in an attempt to gain compliance, but officials said those efforts were unsuccessful.
That's when K-9 Zajo was deployed to assist officers in taking Maddy into custody.
During the apprehension, authorities said Maddy stabbed Zajo multiple times.
The K-9 suffered a puncture wound near the head and eye area along with facial lacerations. Officials said the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, and Zajo was transported for veterinary treatment.
Maddy was taken into custody and transported to a trauma center for evaluation and treatment of injuries sustained from the less-lethal munitions and K-9 apprehension.
She faces charges of:
Assault on Law Enforcement — Virginia Code §18.2-57(C)
Injuring a Police Animal — Virginia Code §18.2-144.1
Obstruction of Justice — Virginia Code §18.2-460
Sheriff Wayne Davis commended the Virginia State Police troopers and Henry County deputies involved, saying officers made every effort to resolve the situation peacefully before deploying the K-9.
Davis also thanked the witness who called 911 and provided information that helped authorities locate the suspect.
Meanwhile, Zajo has the attention of the community after taking several hits — and several stab wounds — while helping deputies get the situation under control.
Virginia State Police remains the primary investigating agency for the original hit-and-run crash. Additional information and any related charges will be released by state police as appropriate.
The charges against Maddy are allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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