San Diego, CA – A San Diego Police Department (SDPD) K9 Sir was fatally shot while trying to apprehend a gunman during a standoff at the Mesa College campus early Wednesday morning.

The series of events leading up to the shooting began at approximately 1 a.m., when the SDPD began receiving calls about a separate shooting in the 3500-block of Ben Street in the Clairemont neighborhood, KFMB reported.

“We believe that it started on the roadways,” San Diego County Sheriff’s Department (SDCSD) Homicide Unit Lieutenant Joseph Jarjura told the news outlet. “One vehicle possibly trying to pass another vehicle or some type of incident.”

The SDCSD said an unidentified gunman shot at a person near a residence several times, then fled the scene in a white Tesla, KFMB reported.

The person he was shooting at was not hit, Lt. Jarjura told KNSD.

The intended target was able to catch a partial plate off of the Tesla and provided it to police, which assisted the sheriff’s office’s helicopter in locating the suspect vehicle.

Police responded to the area found the armed suspect and the Tesla near an apartment complex, according to KGTV.

The suspect allegedly sped off, leading officers on a half-mile pursuit to the Mesa College campus.

Lt. Jarjura said the suspect bailed out of the car with a gun, then ignored the officers’ commands to drop his weapon, KNSD reported.

K9 Sir was deployed to apprehend the suspect, at which point the gunman fired one shot, fatally wounding him, according to police.

An officer returned fire, hitting the suspect, KNSD reported.

The gunman was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

K9 Sir was rushed to a veterinary clinic, where he succumbed to his wound.

Investigators said the motive behind the initial shooting is still unclear, KNSD reported.

K9 Sir, a four-and-one-half-year-old Belgian Malinois, served the SDPD for approximately 17 months, the department said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the tragic loss of a valued member of our team, K9 Sir,” the SDPD said. “He was tragically killed in the line of duty early this morning in the Mesa College area.”

K9 Sir displayed “courage, commitment, and dedication in every situation he faced,” according to his department.

“He was a beloved member of our department and community,” the SDPD added. “We are genuinely touched by the outpouring of support and condolences we’ve received. Together, we will remember K9 Sir, celebrate his life, and honor his heroic service.”

We are deeply saddened to announce the tragic loss of a valued member of our team, K9 Sir. He was tragically killed in the line of duty early this morning in the Mesa College area.
(1/3) pic.twitter.com/6OoUL2vBkx

— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) August 2, 2023

Dear K9 Sir,
 
We salute you for your relentless commitment to duty.
 
We salute you for your unwavering loyalty, standing by the side of your handler in every situation.
 
We salute you for keeping our officers and the citizens of San Diego safe. pic.twitter.com/OPehQi1jAC

— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) August 3, 2023

RIP. California K9 Sir was murdered when he was shot and killed while apprehending a shooting suspect. STOP SHOOTING MY POLICE OFFICERS!!! #rip #murdered #hero #K9Sir #SanDiegoPoliceDepartment #thinblueline #bluelivesmatter #eow #stopshootingmypoliceofficers #becarefuloutthere pic.twitter.com/4TB7G8LeY5

— Protecting the Blue (@protectingblue) August 3, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with the San Diego Police Department in the loss of K9 Sir.