Georgia Police K-9 Fatally Shot While Pursuing Suspect

NORCROSS, Georgia -- A Gwinnett County Police K-9 was fatally shot Thursday afternoon while pursing a suspect.

Officers assigned to a detail investigating gang activity were behind 1990 Willow Trail Parkway in Norcross when they discovered a stolen vehicle with two occupants inside, according to a news release.

When an officer attempted to make contact with the two individuals they both ran from the officer in two separate directions. Officers assigned to the SWAT Unit, including SWAT K-9 Blue responded and began searching for a male suspect that fled into the woods behind the location. 

During the search, Blue located items from the suspect and tracked him to a location within the woods. The suspect was given commands and at some point fired on officers. Officers returned fire after being fired upon. During the gunfire, Blue and the suspect were both hit. 

Both Blue and the suspect were transported to hospitals where they both died from their injuries. The second suspect that was seen running from the scene was not arrested. 

This shooting will be investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. 

"SWAT K-9 Blue was the first full-time SWAT dedicated K-9," officials said in a statement. "He was five years old and bravely served the citizens of Gwinnett County in the police department for over a year."

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.