Wounded Los Angeles County Sheriff's K-9 Saved by Ballistic Vest

April 19, 2024

Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Special Enforcement Bureau K-9 Kjeld was saved by its ballistic vest after being shot and wounded by a suspect the night of April 17.

By Officer.com News

COMPTON, California -- A K-9 with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department's Special Enforcement Bureau was saved by its ballistic vest after being shot and wounded by a suspect the night of April 17.

LASD SEB personnel swiftly intervened to aid Compton Sheriff Station deputies in apprehending an assault with a deadly weapon suspect who was armed with a handgun, near Spruce Street in Compton, according to a news release.

Officials said that during the search, the suspect discharged his firearm, which struck K-9 Kjeld, who has been assigned to the Special Enforcement Bureau since January 2023. Fortunately, K-9 Kjeld was equipped with a ballistic vest, which limited the dog's injuries. Kjeld underwent successful treatment and has since been discharged from veterinary care.

"Tonight, K-9 Kjeld, known around the bureau as 'Kid,' saved the lives of our deputies and the suspect who shot him," Sheriff Robert Luna said in a statement. "Our entire Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department family and I wish 'Kid' a speedy recovery at home!"