Good K-9 story

[ACP]

Police Dog Shot While Chasing Suspects
October 3, 2003
Associated Press

NEW LONDON -- A police dog was shot early Thursday while chasing suspects in an armed robbery, police said.

Niko, a 3-year-old German shepherd, had picked up the scent of suspects in an early morning bar robbery. Police said the dog ran into a nearby cemetery, where he was shot with a 9mm handgun.

"He actually went out and took a bullet, actually for one of us," said Officer Humberto Morales. "Because that could have been any one of us."

The bullet entered near one shoulder and exited near the other. Niko survived because it missed his heart and spine, veterinarians said. He was not wearing his bulletproof vest, Morales said, because it is not meant for use during pursuits.

Even after he was shot, Niko kept trying to pin down the suspect, police said.

Police arrested three suspects in the robbery, including the suspected shooter, 20-year-old Donald Brown Jr.

Niko was expected to be released from the veterinarian's office late Thursday. One of three New London police dogs, he could be back to work in two weeks.

"It's just like he was given to me all over again," Morales said. "I thought I had lost him."

 

[son of a gun]

There's a reason DOG is GOD spelled backwards.

 

[Kamicosmos]

I wonder if the perp was charged with assualting an officer with a firearm and attempted murder of said officer? I know lots of departments treat their K-9s as officers in many ways, including stuff like that.


Glad the dog's okay though, I always hate to see the puppa's get hurt!

 

[C.R.Sam]

Good dog; didn't quit.

Sam

 

[Bob F.]

Ah, crap, something in my eye again! Loove those big white teeth and black eyes!

 

[Grey54956]

If this is New London, WI he will be charged with assaulting an officer.

 

[Triad]

Good dog.

He was not wearing his bulletproof vest, Morales said, because it is not meant for use during pursuits.

They have body armor for dogs? When is it meant to be used if not during pursuits?

 

[son of a gun]

There's much debate on doggy vests, they hinder the dog, slow it down and if it ends up in water some have drowned from the added weight, the sad reality is that the dog is a a tool to save officers lives.