Written by MLWA 7 Staff
UPDATE: The MLPD K9 dog, who hasn’t been identified, is in critical condition, according to Columbia Basin K9’s.
Columbia Basin K9’s Volunteer Jocelyn Paluch stated, “Prayers needed!! Praying for the WSU team working on him. Please join me in praying for amazing healing over our K9 Officer. Praying for his family!! Prayers for ALL of our law enforcement involved in this heartbreaking situation!! 💙🐾🙏🏻”
MOSES LAKE — A man was killed Friday night in an officer-involved shooting in Moses Lake Friday night after allegedly shooting a K9 police dog after a pursuit.
The man, who has not been identified by authorities, was reportedly wanted in connection to several burglaries.
Moses Lake police Street Crime detectives and patrol officers began searching for the male suspect at around 10:43 p.m., according to iFIBER ONE News. Officers reportedly found the suspect’s vehicle was located on Airway Drive and police attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr told iFIBER ONE News.
The suspect fled, leading authorities on a pursuit for several miles along Valley Road, Grape Drive, Oregon Street and then returned to Valley Road, which lead to authorities successfully deploying spike strips during the pursuit, according to iFIBER ONE News.
The suspect came to a stop on Denton Road in the Cascade Valley area. The suspect allegedly attempted to flee but was chased by a police officer and his K9 partner.
“Chief Fuhr said during the chase, the suspect pulled out a handgun and opened fire, striking the K9. The officer returned fire, killing the suspect,” iFIBER ONE News stated.
The police K9 was immediately transported to Pioneer Veterinary in Moses Lake for treatment and was flown to Washington State University’s Veterinary Unit for emergency surgery.
The Columbia Basin Investigative Team is conducting an investigation into the shooting. The identity of the deceased suspect, police officer, and K9 have not been released.