Duluth, MN – A police K9 was fatally shot late Thursday night and the suspect remained barricaded in his home on Friday morning while the standoff continued.
The incident began at about 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 25 when Duluth police officers responded to a domestic violence report at a home in the 2300-block of West 4th Street, KBJR reported.
When officers arrived at the home, they found out that the suspect had a felony conviction on his record and was refusing to surrender.
Police sent in K9 Luna to apprehend the suspect but he opened fire on the dog, WCCO reported.
K9 Luna was shot.
Officers returned fire and retreated from the house, according to WCCO.
None of the human police officers were injured, KBJR reported.
K9 Luna was transported to an emergency veterinarian for treatment but died shortly after she arrived at the clinic, WCCO reported.
Police set up a perimeter around the scene as the standoff continued.
Authorities have asked residents to avoid the area and said the suspect was “dangerous, armed, and uncooperative,” WCCO reported.
PUBLIC SAFETY RISK: the public is being asked to avoid the area of the 2300 block of W 4th St due to an armed and dangerous suspect.
Read the full press release here: https://t.co/fbjwwukGeR
— Duluth MN Police (@DuluthMNPolice) February 26, 2021
Losing any dog is never easy. Losing a K9 while they are protecting the public and their officers is worse. Sending prayers to K9 Luna’s handler and the Duluth Police Department this morning after K9 Luna was shot and killed during a domestic call last night. Gone too soon. #K9 pic.twitter.com/b6JaNcYh6I
— Kate Van Daele (@KateVanDaele) February 26, 2021
K9 Luna
EOW: 2-25-2021
The Duluth Police Dept is mourning the loss of one of their, 4yr old K9 Luna. Luna was shot & killed last night while apprehending a domestic violence suspect. The suspect is still at large. Please keep the Haller family & dept in your thoughts & prayers. pic.twitter.com/z32nqDTIoS— K9s of Valor (@k9sofvalor) February 26, 2021
Duluth MN lost a beloved 4 legged Police Officer at the hands of the suspect. Rest in peace Luna. 💔😢 pic.twitter.com/z0I7EHsRGn
— Terry Lynn ^v^ ❤ 🇺🇸 (@TerryLynn418) February 26, 2021
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Holly Matkin
