By Police1 Staff
ST. GEORGE, Utah — A police K-9 suffered gunshot wounds to the neck and mouth area while assisting police in a standoff.
K-9 Tess and her handler responded to assist in the apprehension of a carjacking suspect Tuesday, St. George News reported.
According to KSL, the suspect told police he had a rifle and ammunition. The suspect opened the truck door at one point and opened fire, striking Tess twice in the mouth area. Both bullets exited her neck.
https://twitter.com/LVMPD/status/902943224293056512
Officers opened fire, striking the suspect several times. He was transported to the hospital for surgery and his condition is unknown. Tess was transported to a local hospital, but after an evaluation, she was airlifted to a Las Vegas speciality center.
“I was going to ask for [the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police] assistance to actually transport her from where they landed at the airport or hospital or something over to the vet clinic,” Sheriff Cory Pulsipher said. “They said, ‘We’ll do one better than that’ and they actually blocked the road on Tropicana in front of the vet clinic to get her immediate response down there.”
https://twitter.com/washeriff/status/903009544506228736
Tess was stabilized after surgery and was released Wednesday to recover at home. She is expected to make a full recovery. A GoFundMe has been created to help with medical costs.
“The Sheriff’s Office would like to again extend their deepest thanks to all the first responders and veterinary staff who took part in Tess’ treatment and recovery,” a statement said. “This was undoubtedly a team effort and each individual played a critical part in her survival.”
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