Niceville police K-9 killed, officer hospitalized after truck overturns on SR 85

NICEVILLE — A crash on State Road 85 claimed the life of a Niceville police K-9 on Sunday, and his handler was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash occurred at 5:55 p.m. just south of State Road 123, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Study ranks Niceville as safest city:A 2022 study ranked Niceville as the safest city in Florida. Here's why.

OCSO K-9 Unit:K-9s named in honor of fallen Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office deputies keep memories alive

Niceville Police Sgt. Phillip Ritcheson and K-9 Blue were reporting for duty in a police pickup truck, Police Chief David Popwell said in a statement Monday. Ritcheson was traveling south and began slowing down to change lanes.

A van attempted to switch lanes at the same time and crashed into the rear of the police truck. The collision caused the truck to overturn, the FHP reported. Both vehicles came to a stop on the south shoulder of the highway. 

Ritcheson suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries and was taken to the HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, where he remained Monday. The driver of the van, a 40-year-old woman from Enterprise, Alabama, suffered minor injuries.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit helped escort K-9 Blue to the Bluewater Bay Animal Hospital on Sunday night, where K-9 Handlers Zackary Putnam and Trey Brooks carried his flag-draped body into the building.

The Sheriff’s Office called it a “combined show of love, honor and respect for his service to the community.” The Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Eglin Fire and Medical, Okaloosa County EMS and Niceville and Valparaiso Fire Departments also assisted.

“We appreciate all the love and support that has been shown,” Popwell said. “Details of a memorial service will be announced in the near future.”

The FHP was continuing to investigate the crash Monday. More information will be released as it becomes available.