Holly MatkinReno, NV – University of Nevada Reno Police Department (UNRPD) K9 Bonnie died in the line of duty on July 16 after she was struck by vehicle while searching for evidence in a shooting investigation.
The incident began at approximately 11 a.m., when Reno police received a report of a shooting in the 2500-block of Sutro Street, the Reno Gazette Journal reported.
Officers responded to the scene and discovered that two people had been sitting in a vehicle when a man opened fire on them from a nearby sidewalk, according to police.
The victims sped away from the scene as the shooter ran off on foot.
Both victims were hospitalized as a result of their wounds, the Reno Gazette Journal reported.
K9 Bonnie, a seven-year-old Labrador retriever trained in explosives detection, responded to the scene with her human partner, UNRPD Officer Tom Emmons, to search for evidence.
As she was conducting a track, K9 Bonnie walked into the roadway to search between vehicles, and was hit by a passing truck, the Reno Gazette Journal reported.
She was rushed to the Animal Emergency Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.
The driver of the truck immediately stopped at the scene and was cooperative with investigators, according to police.
UNRPD Chief Todd Renwick announced K9 Bonnie’s tragic death in a statement the following day, the Reno Gazette Journal reported.
“It is with an extremely heavy heart and a lot of emotion that we lost our fellow officer, friend and family member, Bonnie,” Chief Renwick said.
K9 Bonnie served UNRPD for six years.
“Rest in peace, Bonnie,” the department said in a Facebook post. “Your dedication to us, our community, and your handler will never be forgotten.”
Always remember: K9 Bonnie, University of Nevada Reno Police Department, Nevada https://t.co/2s7uwG0xR7 pic.twitter.com/XdoqRhXRhN
— T Culberson (@TimothyCulbers1) July 31, 2020
Thank you to @uofnevadapolice & all our #BlueFamily for allowing us to help you send off Miss Bonnie in grand style! Her seat here is reserved forever. #K9 #LODD #EOW 7.16.20 🐾💙😢 pic.twitter.com/CWwUTArovS
— @CodeCoffeeReno (@CodeCoffeeUSA) July 24, 2020
It is with a very sad heart that we have lost a family member today. K9 Bonnie was struck by a vehicle while working the scene of a shooting investigation, sniffing for a gun. Rest in peace Bonnie. Your dedication to us, our community, and your handler will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/vXNeh51V40
— UNR Police Services (@uofnevadapolice) July 17, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the University of Nevada Reno Police Department and Officer Emmons in the loss of K9 Bonnie.
