Police say the dog was killed while searching for an armed suspect.
(VANCOUVER, Wash.) - A report of a possible mental subject in the area of 16415 NE 137th Avenue drew the response of Clark County deputies this afternoon just before 2:00 PM.
According to the caller, a subject by the name of Ronald Chenette was going to be walking down the railroad tracks from 137th Avenue to the Brush Prairie Market on Caples Road. Police say the caller continued to say Ronald was armed with a .357 magnum handgun and had made statement that he wanted to "kill a cop."
A computer check of Ronald Chenette revealed he had an extensive criminal history including a 1991 conviction for second-degree Murder. Police say he also had several misdemeanor warrants for his arrest and was also a suspect in a stalking case.
Sgt. Tim Bieber with the Clark County Sheriff's Office says deputies arrived in the area the checked the Brush Prairie Market and confirmed the suspect had not arrived.
"A short time later he was seen running along the railroad tracks, then fleeing into the heavy brush and trees adjacent to the tracks. Patrol units on-scene established a perimeter then called for the SW Washington Regional SWAT Team."
Once the SWAT team was assembled a search of this area began, Beiber said, utilizing K-9 teams from both CCSO and the Vancouver Police Department.
"At approximately 5:10 PM the SWAT Team reported one shot had been fired. They continued to say one of the K-9's was not returning to his handler. The team continued to search utilizing a second K-9. At approximately 5:27 PM that K-9 located the suspect. After a struggle the suspect was taken into custody."
The team then focused their attention on finding the missing K-9. After searching the area they were able to locate him. The K-9 was deceased and appeared to have been shot one time in the head.
Ronald Chenette was transported to SW Washington Medical Center to be treated for a dog bite. At the time of this release detectives from CCSO are still conducting interviews. Once the interviews are completed he will be transported to the Clark County Jail where he will be booked in. It is not yet clear exactly what charges he will face over the matter.
The K-9 that was killed in the line of duty was a German Shepard named Dakota. His handler was Officer Roger Evans from the Vancouver Police Department. More information on Dakota will be released tomorrow by the Vancouver Police Department.
Police Dog Killed in the Line of Duty
Salem-News.com