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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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."

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."

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. 

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."

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. 

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. 

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].”