By Suzie Ziegler
LA VERGNE, Tenn. — A fatal shootout this week in Tennessee ended with the gunman and a police K-9 dead. According to ABC News, K-9 Sjaak – pronounced “Jacques” – was inside a patrol car Tuesday when a suspect pulled up and opened fire.
La Vergne Police Officer Justin Darby was also inside the car at the time but wasn’t injured, according to ABC News. The gunman sped off, triggering a police pursuit and an exchange of gunfire. The suspect stopped in a parking lot, where officers found he had been shot. The gunman was taken to a hospital and declared dead.
It was only after the pursuit that Darby discovered his K-9 partner had been shot, reports ABC News. The Belgian Malinois was rushed to a veterinary hospital where he underwent surgery.
The agency announced on Facebook late Wednesday that Sjaak, sadly, did not survive the operation.
“Our hearts are broken,” said Interim Chief Chip Davis. “Our K-9s are members of the LPD family. Sjaak was an amazing and loyal dog. We ask everyone to keep Officer Darby, his family, and all of the La Vergne officers in your thoughts and prayers as we deal with this loss.”
Sjaak had been with the department for six years, according to the agency. The incident remains under investigation.
https://www.facebook.com/LaVergneTNPD/posts/854401858645596
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