Crossville man indicted in K-9 Cain killing

Published on October 20, 2017

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) — A Crossville man was indicted in connection to the death of Crossville Police Department’s K-9 Cain.

Dustin Lee Dixon, 28, from Crossville was charged with killing of a service animal, theft over $10,000, aggravated assault, evading arrest, reckless endangerment, DUI, and violation of implied consent.

On August 2, the Crossville Police Department was in pursuit of a stolen 2005 Peterbilt semi-truck belonging to Floyd Turner at 4:45 a.m. near Highway 68 and Highway 127 South when police say Dixon swerved into the deputy’s cruiser.

Crossville Police and Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office chased Dixon down a dirt road off of Genesis Road at Obed River. Dixon reportedly crashed into a tree and started running from the scene. Officers and deputies along with K-9 officer Cain rushed after him.

Investigators said K-9 officer Cain returned from the wooded area with multiple stab wounds and later died from his injuries. Officers are uncertain how long the K-9 had been chasing Dixon before he returned with stab wounds.

A Lieutenant with Crossville Police told Local 8 News investigators believe Dixon stabbed the K-9 officer to death in order to escape from police. The Lieutenant said police believe the suspect was trying to do whatever it took to avoid capture, and if that meant killing the dog that got in his way, that’s what he would do.

“Cain captured a guy who was obviously a danger to Crossville and Cumberland County so he’s a hero in my eyes,” Sheriff Cox told Local 8 News.

Cain and his partner were together for close to four years, both working and living together.

The Crossville Police Lieutenant said Cain was not wearing a vest at the time of the stabbing, and that even if he was, it wouldn’t have stopped a knife. The Lieutenant said vests take time to put on and can’t be worn all day, so they are usually only used in SWAT situations.