K9 Credo and Suspect Killed in Gunfight

K9 Credo Image Source: Stephanie Rivera/Long Beach Post

A K9 named Credo, with Long Beach Police Department in California, was killed on Tuesday. Officers were attempting to apprehend a suspect in multiple shootings. The suspect barricaded himself in a building. After about two hours the suspect exited the building and shot at officers. By the end of the gunfight, LBPD K9 Credo and the suspect were mortally wounded.

KTLA reports:

Long Beach police officers were in the 2800 block of East 15th Street about 9 a.m. investigating a man wanted in connection with an assault with a deadly weapon case.

The man barricaded himself in a home and police surrounded an apartment complex in the area, police said.

About two hours later, the suspect came out of the home and gunfire was exchanged. Apparently both the suspect and K-9 Credo were shot in the gun battle. No other officers were injured, police spokeswoman Sgt. Cynthia Arrona said.

Credo was taken to Signal Hill Pet Hospital with injuries and later died.

Several officers went to the hospital to wait for updates on Credo’s condition and later lined the street outside the facility for a procession.

In a series of tweets, the Long Beach Police Department announced Credo’s death and thanked him for his service to the department and community.

Credo was a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois and worked with the police department for two years with his handler, Officer Mike Parcells, the agency said in a tweet. The dog worked narcotics and patrol and was involved in more than 30 apprehensions, the department said.

Police dogs are often sent to take down violent suspects. K9 Credo died a hero, running into danger to take down a suspect who was shooting at police officers. More than 30 officers and about a dozen citizens lined the street outside of the animal hospital to pay their respects to Credo.