Georgia officer fatally shot and police dog severely injured in the line of duty
An unidentified officer of DeKalb County passed away from gunshot wounds yesterday. His K-9 is in critical condition.
The Georgia officer attempted to make a traffic stop on Thursday at about 5 p.m. The driver of the vehicle instead exited his vehicle and ran off. Fox5 shared a video update on their Facebook page.
The officer and his K-9 companion pursued the individual on foot. They ran off Chandler road, near Tilson road, ending up at the back of a business.
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#BREAKING: Georgia police officer and suspect both killed in shooting following traffic stop, police say https://t.co/NLqhBfh5dB #fox5dc pic.twitter.com/VDK4F1PW5A
— FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) December 14, 2018
During the encounter, the suspect pulled out a handgun and shot at both the dog and the officer. Following the incident, the Chandler Road portion of Interstate 20 was closed off temporarily.
Speaking at a media conference, Dekalb County Police Chief James Conroy said:
"I have very sad news to report this evening... Sad, sad news to report this evening. A DeKalb County Police officer died this evening while serving in the line of duty serving the citizens of DeKalb County."
Please join us in praying for the family, friends and colleagues of this fallen Officer in Georgia. #EnoughIsEnough
— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) December 14, 2018
https://t.co/Kqt6p3kx8t
The shot enterd the officer at the back of his head. He was transported to the Grady Memorial Hospital where he subsequently succumbed to the attack.
According to Chief Conroy, officers responded to the scene quickly. They were able to track the suspect. In a showdown, the suspect "received several gunshot wounds" and also died.
Chief Conroy praised the department:
"I am very proud of the men and women of the police department. They responded to the scene, were able to track the suspect, they did their job, and all while this was going on, the officers continued throughout the county providing services to DeKalb."
Georgia officer shot, killed during traffic stop, K-9 critically wounded, police sayhttps://t.co/eOioWKANSg pic.twitter.com/xnf6yRQc8t
— Blue Alert (@BlueAlertUs) December 14, 2018
The deceased male officer worked in the department for about a year and a half. He only graduated from the academy in October 2017. His name remains confidential.
The suspect, who is said to be in his 20s or 30s, has also not been identified by the police.
The K-9 that was shot is currently at a local veterinarian being treated for his wounds. He is in critical condition.
#BREAKING: A police officer in DeKalb County, Georgia has died after being shot while running after a fleeing suspect. A police K-9 was also shot by the suspect, who was shot and killed by officers. https://t.co/kgm0yuIjG4
— WTHR.com (@WTHRcom) December 14, 2018
As per due process, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Governor-elect Brian Kemp tweeted words of condolences and support:
"The DeKalb police officer shot earlier today has died. We are forever grateful for his service and sacrifice. Our prayers are with those who mourn."
The DeKalb police officer shot earlier today has died. We are forever grateful for his service and sacrifice. Our prayers are with those who mourn. https://t.co/5kCPsxDici
— Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) December 14, 2018
Earlier this week, another incident led to the shooting of officers while in the line of duty. In Houston, Texas, three officers received gunshot wounds when trying to serve a felony warrant.
According to Harris County's Chief Deputy of Sheriff Office Edison Toquica, the shooting happened at around 12:50 p.m. on Tuesday. It happened fast as the officers were shot on the door's threshold of the home they entered.
The officers remain hospitalized but are expected to survive. Meanwhile, a suspect was in custody as of Tuesday afternoon.
.@marcusmoore on the developing story out of Texas -- three law enforcement officers shot trying to serve a warrant. The gunman believed to have barricaded himself inside the home. https://t.co/IfuDomQC7U pic.twitter.com/xFZgTX9ipD
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) December 11, 2018
The warrant had been for violating a protective order that arose from "aggravated assault, family violence."
The two attacks are certainly a downer on the holiday season for those affected. One Indiana Sheriff's Officer has made sure to show appreciation for all those lost in the line of fire.
The Boone County paid tribute to the 137 fallen policemen and women by putting up a Christmas tree. They decorated it with 137 blue ornaments for each officer lost.
Sheriff's office honors every law enforcement officer killed this year with Blue Christmas tree https://t.co/RuM3G97AkA
— FOX Carolina News (@foxcarolinanews) December 12, 2018
The blue ornaments held the names of each officer's name, rank, and end of watch date. Boone County Office Chaplain Joni Scott characterized the fallen officers as “incredible hero[s].”
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