WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — A Wake County Sheriff's Office dog was shot and killed while searching for a suspect with his handler and a Knightdale police officer early Friday morning. 

Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence Capps characterized the shooting as an accident and a "heartbreaking tragedy."

He said in a news release that officers stopped a vehicle carrying two men about 12:30 a.m. on North Smithfield Road near the Carrington Woods subdivision. 

The driver, Ravon Williams, 21, fled, and officers sought help from the sheriff's office to track him.

A sheriff's office K-9 team — K-9 Santos and a his handler, a deputy — and a Knightdale police officer found Williams, and as they moved to take custody of him, the Knightdale officer unintentionally shot Santos, Capps said.

Santos was rushed to the emergency clinic at N.C. State University's Veterinary Hospital, where he died, the sheriff's office said.

"He gave his life to ensure the safety of our deputies and the residents of Wake County," the sheriff's office said. "We thank him for his loyalty and service."

Santos, a German shepherd, joined the sheriff's office in 2016, making him the agency's longest-serving K-9, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies say their K-9s are part of their law enforcement family, and they are mourning the loss of Santos. 

"The entire sheriff’s office family is heartbroken," deputies said. 

“Words fail to adequately describe the levels of grief and remorse felt by the officer and the deputy," Capps said.

The Knightdale officer has been placed on administrative leave while the agency conducts a review, as is standard practice, the chief said. 

Capps said the 31-year-old officer has served on the force for 18 months and is assigned to the patrol division but would not further identify the officer. 

Williams was arrested on charges including resisting an officer and driving without a license.