K-9 dies during confrontation with man wanted for 2 murders

MOUNT AIRY, N.C. (Gray News) – The man accused of killing two North Carolina window cleaners was shot and killed after a high-speed chase and shootout Wednesday, and a K-9 officer has also been killed.

Officers shot and killed Desmund Moore around 3:30 p.m. between Paisley Drive and Beasley Road, authorities said.

Authorities said K-9 Draco was shot during the suspect’s arrest and did not survive.

In a social media post, the Mount Airy Police Department paid tribute to Draco, saying to “keep Corporal Hutchens, Draco’s handler, in your prayers as well.” …Draco died a HERO and we will miss him dearly.

Mount Airy News said no other law enforcement personnel were injured during the confrontation.

Cumberland County deputies say Moore, 42, was the suspect in a fatal shooting of two men outside a large home in Surry County on Tuesday.

Authorities on Wednesday identified the victims as Arthur Knight Acosta, 21, and Jefferson Taylor Duggins, 32. Both men were from Fayetteville.

Duggins and Acosta were home working, according to Broadcastify radio traffic.

The relationship between Moore and the two men is currently unclear, as is the motive for the shooting.

Dozens of first responders responded to the scene Tuesday, running through the large house and its long, winding driveway, which was blocked, and two bodies were visible near a work truck belonging to a company called NC Window Cleaners.

The driver’s side window of the work truck was broken.

At least 10 evidence markers were scattered on the ground, which could mark gun casings from shots fired.

WRAL News tried to speak with the home’s owner, Dr. William Wiggs. He declined to comment.

In a 911 call made by a woman, believed to be Wiggs’ wife, she identified herself as the homeowner and said she was safe inside the house but could see the in front of the door on the camera.

Another 911 call was made by someone who said they had worked with the men.

“I heard gunshots about 20 minutes ago,” the caller described to the 911 operator. “I was there to work. They were supposed to be there at 10:30, but they hadn’t arrived yet.

The caller became emotional when he discovered the workers were dead, saying, “Oh my God, please tell me I’m dreaming.” »

A third 911 caller, also believed to be a worker, provided even more details.

“I was at home, waiting for my employees to arrive, about 20 minutes ago,” the caller said. “I heard gunshots, I didn’t think anything of it, and my men were late, so I walked up to the gate to see where they were and they’re lying up there, and I think that they’re dead but my window is all shot out in the truck, and they’re over there I need an ambulance here… I don’t know if there’s an active shooter in there. zone or not.”

The caller indicated that it was a window washing and power washing business.

Moore was previously arrested in 2016 and charged with raping and sexually assaulting a 22-year-old woman, authorities said.

Copyright 2024 Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved. WRAL via CNN Newsource contributed to this report.