By Elias C. Arnold
The Arizona Republic
GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Goodyear police Officer Ricky Melrose was released from the hospital Monday, a week after he was shot while searching for a robber.
Billy Robert McGinty, 25, of Buckeye, fired at Melrose and his Belgian Malinois police dog, named Zip, on Feb. 18, police said.
That’s when two other police officers returned fire, killing McGinty, police said.
Glendale police said Melrose and other officers were looking for McGinty in the 1500 block of North La Mora Drive after he robbed a nearby carwash, police said. McGinty was hiding in a storage shed at a vacant house when he fired at Melrose and Zip, police said.
Melrose was shot in the hip and chest. A bulletproof vest stopped the bullet to Melrose’s chest.
Zip was shot in the ear. He received veterinary attention and was released.
Melrose, a canine handler and 11-year veteran of Goodyear police, should be out of work for months as he recovers from his injuries.
“We expect him to make a full recovery, but it will take time,” said John Rowan, a Goodyear police spokesman.
The Glendale Police Department is investigating the shooting.
Copyright 2008 The Arizona Republic