Holly MatkinClayton County, GA – Georgia State Patrol (GSP) K9 Figo was fatally shot in the line of duty on Oct. 7 while attempting to apprehend a homicide suspect.
The series of events leading up to the attack began on Oct. 6, when Clayton County Police Department (CCPD) officers found the body of 22-year-old Khali Marks, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
Investigators said Marks had been shot multiple times, but no other information about the homicide was immediately released.
The following day, CCPD officers were continuing their investigation into Marks’ death when they spotted Marks’ vehicle traveling along Riverdale Road near Interstate 285, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said in a press release.
GSP troopers and Clayton County deputies joined the CCPD to assist with stopping the vehicle.
The driver, later identified as 33-year-old Dexton Bolden, initially pulled over and appeared to be cooperating, the GBI said.
But as troopers attempted to make contact with him, he sped off down the roadway, leading officers on a pursuit.
The troopers were able to stop Bolden by executing a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver.
Officers again attempted to make contact with the suspect, but he continued to be “uncooperative,” according to the GBI.
That’s when the GSP sent in K9 Figo to “get compliance” from Bolden, the GBI said.
The suspect allegedly opened fire on K9 Figo, shooting him multiple times.
Officers returned fire, fatally wounding the gunman.
Bolden was pronounced at the scene, the GBI said.
K9 Figo was rushed to a local animal hospital before being flown to Blue Pearl Animal Hospital in Sandy Springs, WXIA reported.
He succumbed to his wounds a short while later.
A law enforcement procession escorted K9 Figo from the veterinary hospital to Covington on Monday, WXIA reported.
He was laid to rest later that afternoon, according to WAGA.
“Please keep his handler in your prayers as he navigates these difficult times,” the Georgia Department of Public Safety said.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety is saddened to announce that K9 Figo was shot and killed today while bravely serving the State of Georgia. Please keep his handler in your prayers as he navigates these difficult times. pic.twitter.com/MMBvtyGTd5
— Georgia Department of Public Safety (@ga_dps) October 8, 2022
Exclusive video: Georgia troopers carry their K9 shot multiple times and load into a GSP helicopter to fly to emergency vet. Wounded during arrest of murder suspect from Clayton County. @FOX5Atlanta pic.twitter.com/8RR1HiGDbY
— Doug Evans (@dougevansfox5) October 7, 2022
K9 Figo was killed in the line of duty. Thoughts and prayers to all🙏🏻💙🐾🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/FhBrVaFDYh
— Kevin 🇺🇸🦅💫 (@K9forever) October 8, 2022
RIP. Georgia K9 Figo was murdered when he was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend a murder suspect. STOP SHOOTING MY POLICE OFFICERS!!! #rip #murdered #eow #hero #K9Figo #GeorgiaStatePatrol #thinblueline #bluelivesmatter #backtheblue #protectingtheblue pic.twitter.com/1jECJZvDgv
— Protecting the Blue (@protectingblue) October 8, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Georgia State Patrol in the loss of K9 Figo.
Sandy Malone
