16-Year-Old Robbery Suspect Charged For Beating Police K9 To Death

Mesquite, TX – A 16-year-old robbery suspect has been charged for allegedly beating a police K9 to death during a pursuit last week.

Mesquite Police Department (MPD) K9 Kozmo died in the line of duty while tracking a group of armed robbery suspects in the early morning hours of April 26.

The incident began at approximately 2:30 a.m. as MPD officers were assisting the Balch Springs Police Department (BSPD) during a pursuit of the suspects, KDFW reported.

Police were able to disable the fleeing vehicle using spike strips, at which point the suspects fled on foot near Interstate 635 and Bruton Road.

K9 Kozmo was subsequently deployed to help track down and apprehend the armed robbery suspects, KDFW reported.

Police ultimately located two juvenile suspects and one adult suspect and took them into custody, but K9 Kozmo was nowhere to be found.

His body was located at approximately 4:13 a.m. after an extensive search, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.

A necropsy revealed K9 Kozmo was beaten to death, the MPD confirmed on April 29.

Rest in Peace K-9 Kozmo. End of Watch 04/26/21 pic.twitter.com/VhrvDXAIfd

— Mesquite Police Department – Texas (@MesquitePD_TX) April 26, 2021

The 16-year-old robbery suspect has been charged with felony interference with a police service animal in connection with K9 Kozmo’s death.

“Our K9s are members of the MPD family,” the department said in a press release. “Kozmo was an amazing and loyal dog who gave his life in the performance of his duties. We ask everyone to keep all of our officers in their thoughts and prayers as we deal with this loss.”

We are saddened by the loss of @MesquitePD_TX’s fallen K9 Officer Kozmo who died in the line of duty. We stand with area agencies today in honoring his service to the Mesquite community. Thank you for all you did, Kozmo. End Of Watch: 04/26/21 pic.twitter.com/yRA17Ohnb7

— Grand Prairie Police (@GrandPrairiePD) April 30, 2021

K9 Kozmo served the MPD for four years, MPD Sergeant Stephen Biggs told KTVT.

“He gave his life doing what he was trained to do,” Sgt. Biggs said.