Park City police released video footage on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, showing the moments leading up to a police K-9's fall from a highway overpass in Summit County. The footage captures the events surrounding K-9 Bruno's jump from the flyover during a law enforcement investigation into a suspicious object on Sept. 15, an incident that resulted in serious injuries for the animal.
The Incident and Investigation
The newly released video includes the original 911 call, dash camera footage, and the emergency response following the fall. According to Park City police, the incident occurred on Sept. 15 while K-9 Bruno, a chocolate Labrador retriever, was assisting the Utah Highway Patrol with an investigation into a suspicious object located on the flyover connector between U.S. 40 and Interstate 80 in Silver Summit.
Moments Before the Fall
Dash camera footage shows Park City police Officer Wayne Henderson driving his patrol vehicle to the scene and letting K-9 Bruno off leash to become familiar with his surroundings. The two drove onto the flyover near where the suspicious package was located. After arriving, Henderson again let Bruno off leash and used a ball to signal the dog to go to work, stating "find it." This visual and audio cue is part of standard K-9 training, as the dog would typically be rewarded with the ball after completing the task.
Emergency Response and Injuries
As Bruno began moving toward the device, which was later identified as a car battery that had fallen off another vehicle and broken apart, the video shows the K-9 suddenly running to the left and jumping over the concrete barrier into the roadway below. The fall was estimated to be over 30 feet. The suspicious object, which a caller reported to 911 as looking like it had batteries wrapped around wires, had prompted a large response, including Utah Highway Patrol troopers, Summit County sheriff's deputies, and the deployment of a drone.
Medical Treatment and Recovery
Immediately following the jump, Officer Henderson ran toward the spot where Bruno had fallen before returning to his patrol vehicle. The video captured an officer calling dispatch to report that a dog had gone over the side of the bridge and was on I-80. Henderson was heard yelling for dispatchers to call LifeFlight. Henderson then drove his vehicle down the overpass to reach Bruno on the ground. The K-9 was unable to stand on his front legs, and Henderson was seen sitting with the dog to keep him secure and provide comfort until medical personnel arrived.
Investigation and POST Findings
Medical personnel treated Bruno at the scene before he was transported via medical helicopter to an emergency veterinary hospital in Salt Lake City. The K-9 sustained two broken legs and a fractured jaw during the fall. Following the incident, Park City police conducted an internal review and requested an independent investigation by Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
Officer Conduct and Status
The independent review conducted by POST determined that Officer Henderson deployed K-9 Bruno in accordance with standard K-9 tactics. Park City Police Chief Wade Carpenter stated that the incident was an unfortunate occurrence during a serious law enforcement response and noted that Bruno is a partner and part of the police family.
Future for K-9 Bruno
K-9 Bruno, who joined the Park City Police Department in December 2025 as its first explosives-detection K-9, is currently recovering at home after undergoing emergency surgery. While he has been released from the veterinary hospital, it remains unclear if he will return to active duty.
