Indiana Police K-9 Killed While Searching for Suspects in Wooded Area

FISHERS, Indiana -- A Fishers Police K-9 was killed early Wednesday morning while searching for two suspects.

Officers attempted to stop a possible drunken driver just after midnight on I-69 when the motorist fled, triggering a pursuit, according to WRTV.

The suspects stopped in the Saxony neighborhood and exited their vehicle. K-9 Harlej (pronounced Harley)  was deployed to find the suspects. While he was searching in a wooded area, officers heard what they believed were shots fired.

The 5-year-old Belgian Malinois was later found dead in the woods and two suspects were taken into custody.

"It is my belief that he saved lives last night and we're thankful for his sacrifice," Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart told reporters.

Harlej joined the Fishers Police Department in 2015 and is the department's first line-of-duty death.

Memorial arrangements are pending.