Guilty verdict reached in Buddy case

One year after an early-morning shootout left K-9 police dog Buddy dead, his killer has been convicted.

Aaron Williams, 22, was found guilty of second degree assault, harming a police dog and unlawful possession of a weapon on Thursday, June 22, in Kitsap County Superior Court.

The prosecutor is not happy.

“It’s outrageous,” said Russ Hauge of the verdict. “I cannot follow the logic.”

Although Judge Anna Laurie said Williams did aim at least one shot at the officer, she did not consider his behavior consistent with the attempted murder charge.

Defense Attorney John Muenster was unavailable for comment, and Laurie refused to talk about the case until after sentencing — scheduled for Sept. 16.

On July 30 last year, Officer Mike Davis and Buddy were dispatched to Lions Field, to follow up on a report of shots fired.

When Williams and his friend Maurice Jackson, were approached, they fled.

A gunfight ensued in which Williams shot the K-9, then sustained a gunshot wound himself.

During the trial, which began Aug. 20, Hauge and Muenster offered evidence about where the shots were fired and what intention Williams had when he discharged them. Muenster claimed the defendant never shot at Davis.

On Sept. 16, Laurie will decide how much time Williams will spend behind bars. Considering his previous criminal background and the seriousness of the crime, Hauge predicts a sentence of fewer than 10 years.

Buddy’s death last summer prompted an outpouring of support from the community, including hundreds of sympathetic calls to police and more than $13,000 in donations.

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