Holly MatkinSeattle, WA – Seattle Police Department (SPD) K9 Jedi was killed in the line of duty Jan. 5 while trying to apprehend a suspect who was armed with a machete.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m. at a residence in the 2200-block of South Eddy after the homeowner called 911 to report an armed burglary in progress, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) said in a press release.
The victim said a man armed with a knife was breaking into their house, according to police.
K9 Jedi and his partner arrived at the scene and began chasing after the suspect as he ran away on foot, the SPD said.
K9 Jedi caught up with the machete-wielding suspect in the 6700-block of Swift Avenue South.
As he and his human partner worked to apprehend the violent suspect, the suspect stabbed them both, The Post Millennial reported.
K9 Jedi’s partner was stabbed in the face as he tried to protect the police dog from additional injuries.
Another officer arrived at the scene and opened fire on the suspect, fatally wounding him, the SPD said.
Investigators said the suspect was carrying a knife in addition to the machete.
The death of K9 Jedi has been a “heartbreaking loss” for the department, the agency tweeted on Jan. 6.
“He was one of the department’s top performing K9s,” the SPD wrote. “He and his handler/partner were involved in many successful tracks, searches, and apprehension over five years serving the people of Seattle.”
“This is a loss not only for SPD, but for our community,” the tweet read.
A public memorial for K9 Jedi was held Jan. 10 at the SPD South Precinct, according to the Lynnwood Times.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) January 6, 2022
Seattle police K9 killed in the line of duty on Wednesday identified as Jedi. RIP to a K9 hero. EOW 1/5/22 💙 pic.twitter.com/kHtOdDBVrc
— Katie Daviscourt🇺🇸 (@KatieDaviscourt) January 6, 2022
K9 Jedi was stabbed to death while attempting an apprehension of a burglary suspect in the 2200 block of South Eddy Street at about 2:45 pm. RIP K9 Jedi pic.twitter.com/xW2xE94VBU
— Malcom Chakery (@chakery) January 7, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with Seattle Police Department in the loss of K9 Jedi.
Sandy Malone
