A San Diego Sheriff’s K9 was shot and a suspect was injured during a pursuit today that started in San Diego County and ended in Murrieta.
At approximately 12:23 a.m., Murrieta Police officers responded to assist the California Highway Patrol who were in pursuit of armed robbery suspects who allegedly robbed a convenience store in San Diego County.
Shots were fired at the pursuing officers after the suspect vehicle exited Los Alamos Road at the I-215, the Murrieta Police Department said in a news release.
Three suspects exited the vehicle and attempted an armed carjacking of a nearby vehicle. At that time, a K9 from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department was deployed. The K9 was shot while trying to apprehend the suspect.
“Cezar was shot while trying to stop a suspect from carjacking people at the end of the chase,” said the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. “He likely kept the suspect from getting away and possibly hurting others. Cezar did as he was trained. He protected his deputy handler, the public, and our law enforcement partners.”
Two suspects were taken into custody without further incident while the third suspect fled the area on foot.
The SWAT team deployed a Murrieta Police K9 during the apprehension of the third suspect. The suspect was injured by the K9 and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The San Diego Sheriff’s Department’s K9, Cezar, was taken to a local veterinary hospital for treatment and is expected to survive. “We want to thank VCA California Veterinary Specialists in Murrieta for taking such good care of K9 Cezar,” said the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. A vet surgeon removed bullet fragments from Cezar’s leg. He was released shortly before 11 a.m. today, September 6.
No officers were injured during this incident, according to officials. The suspects are pending charges for multiple felonies and weapons charges.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Sergeant Romero at the Murrieta Police Department at 951-461-6366 or [email protected].
