PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA: A 'beloved' Pima County Sheriff Department's K-9 dog named Kenzo was killed in the line of duty while searching for armed robbery suspects in Arizona.
Deputies from the Pima County Sheriff Department's Rincon District and the Pima County Sheriff Department's K9 Unit were investigating an armed robbery on Friday, October 27 at around 8 pm.
According to a press release, deputies sent in their K9 named Kenzo when one of the alleged suspects entered a fenced commercial yard.
When K-9 Kenzo stopped responding to his handler during the search, deputies entered the yard, according to People.
Kenzo suffered life-threatening injuries
The authorities found K-9 Kenzo in the yard after locating the suspect and taking him into custody. The courageous pooch was found unresponsive, lying next to the suspect and suffering from life-threatening injuries.
Kenzo was rushed to a veterinary hospital where he later died. The dog suffered injuries that were consistent with stab wounds.
What charges do the criminals face?
An investigation led to the arrest of Juan Tacho, 32, who faces charges including armed robbery, aggravated robbery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Besides, 35-year-old Cody Bartlett was also arrested and faces charges of armed robbery, aggravated robbery, and killing/harming a work/service animal.
Authorities said that additional charges are forthcoming. Tacho and Bartlett were booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Complex. It is unclear whether they have retained attorneys who can speak on their behalf. An investigation is ongoing.
“We are saddened by the loss of K-9 Kenzo and reminded of the dangers our deputies face along with their K-9 partners who serve right beside them,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said.
Georgia teen shot dead by police after he killed hero K9 dog
Meaww previously reported that Stephen Ford, a 17-year-old Georgia boy who was on the run, was shot dead by police on Saturday, September 2, after he apparently killed a police K-9, two-year-old male German shepherd and pointed his gun at the officers.
He died in a police shooting hours after the Jonesboro Police Department was called to investigate "suspicious activity" at a hotel.
Upon arrival, officers found Ford and two other men with drug paraphernalia and weapons at the scene. Even though they managed to arrest the other two men, the teenager fled and remained on the loose.
Clayton Police were then called to assist with the search for Ford who reportedly ran into a wooded area and the K-9 dog named Waro was dispatched to track down the teen.
After locating Stephon Ford in the woods, police gave the teen verbal commands to come out, but he refused to comply and instead began firing in their direction, striking the two-year-old Waro.
The K-9 was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. However, no officers were injured during the shootout.
Police claim Ford declined several times to show officers his hands before an officer fired a fatal shot.
