A Gwinnett police K9 was killed, along with one suspect, after an investigation Thursday afternoon turned deadly.
Officers with the Gwinnett County Police Department were investigating gang activity behind Willow Trail Parkway in Norcross when they discovered a stolen vehicle with two people inside. When an officer approached the vehicle, both suspects ran in separate directions.
Officers assigned to the SWAT Unit, including Swat K9 Blue, began searching for the suspects in the woods where at least one of the fugitives disappeared. The K9 found items from one of the suspects and led officers to him. According to a press release from the Gwinnett County Police Department, the suspect was given commands, but refused and instead shot at officers. Officers returned fire. During the deadly exchange, K9 Blue and the suspect were both shot. The suspect and the K9 were transported to nearby hospitals where they both died from their injuries.
The second suspect is still on the run and has not been found.
The shooting is still under investigation and will be turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
In the press release, sympathies are expressed for the heroic member of the swat team. “Swat K9 Blue was the first full-time SWAT dedicated K9. He was five years old and bravely served the citizens of Gwinnett County in the police department for over a year.”
Anyone with information in this case should contact Gwinnett County detectives at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters can always contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2020/9/937112/gwinnett-k9-dies-along-with-the-suspect-firing-on-officers