Justice for K9 Dagger, Memphis Safe Task Force Collars Fugitive Who Tried to Escape

Memphis, TN – The Memphis Safe Task Force announces the arrest of Ronald Pilkington, 43, on multiple outstanding warrants.

On November 11, Southaven Police Department attempted a traffic stop, during which Pilkington fled on foot. Officers deployed K9 units to track him, but during the search, K9 Dagger was struck by a truck on Highway 51. Pilkington had been on the run since the incident.

Through an interagency collaborative effort and thorough investigation, Pilkington was believed to be hiding at a residence in Drummond, Tennessee. Task Force Officers attempted to make contact, but Pilkington initially refused to surrender. Less‑than‑lethal devices were deployed in the attic space where he was hiding in order to coax him into ending the stand‑off.

After a period of negotiation and tactical pressure, the Memphis Safe Task Force facilitated Pilkington’s surrender. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Pilkington faces charges for fleeing from a traffic stop that resulted in injury to a K9. He was also wanted out of Tipton County on multiple charges tied to drug offenses, theft, domestic violence, driving violations, and evading arrest.

According to recent reports, K9 Dagger was released from the hospital and recovering at his home with his handler.

We are not only protecting our partners but also safeguarding the communities we serve. Justice knows no boundaries, there is no escape. You can flee in a car; you can run on foot, but you cannot outrun justice. Justice is coming. You will be tracked, located, and apprehended.

The Memphis Safe Task Force will go to extraordinary lengths to ensure the safety of Memphis and uphold the rule of law.