Police dog stabbed to death on duty hunting down two armed robbery suspects
Tributes have been paid to a hero police dog after he was killed while trying to hunt down two suspects in Arizona.
Kenzo the dog, who was part of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, was let off his lead to chase a suspect in an armed robbery case on Friday night.
Police saw the suspect enter a commercial yard, and Kenzo ran after them.
But he didn’t return, and eventually deputies became worried and raced after him.
They finally found Kenzo lying on the ground next to one of the suspects.
He had a knife wound so they rushed him to the local vet, but he died of his injuries, reports Tuscon.com.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department shared their grief over losing Kenzo.
They said in a statement: ‘We are saddened by the loss of K9 Kenzo and reminded of the dangers our deputies face along with their K9 partners who serve right beside them.’
The two suspects that Kenzo and the deputies were chasing have now been arrested.
Named as Cody D. ‘Slade’ Bartlett, 36, and Juan Tacho, 32, both suspects face multiple charges.
Bartlett has been charged with armed robbery, aggravated robbery, and killing/harming a work/service animal.
Tacho was brought in on suspicion of armed robbery, aggravated robbery, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Kenzo is being mourned all over the US and thanked for his service to the country.
Dog lovers have taken to social media to share their grief.
One person posted: ‘Please keep his handler and Pima County’s K9 Unit in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve this tragic loss. Gain your angel wings and fly high.’
The Georgia Police K9 Foundation said: ‘May he rest in peace. Thank you for your service Kenzo. Our thoughts and prayers with all involved.’
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