Police Dog Shot And Killed In Line Of Duty After Saving Colleagues' Lives

A police dog was killed after saving officers' lives during a shootout with suspects wanted for attempted murder and armed robbery.

The shootout took place outside a South Florida shopping mall on Monday evening and resulted in shoppers hiding under tables.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's office says the shooting left the K-9 officer called Cigo dead and a suspect hospitalised.

According to USA Today, the three-year-old dog pursued a fleeing suspect, who shot the animal. Officers returned fire, severely wounding the suspect.

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said Cigo 'did his job and saved those deputies' lives'.

Police swarmed the mall at around 5pm on Christmas Eve after getting a tip that a member of the Latin Kings gang was there.

The Miami Herald reported that officers secured an area of the parking lot outside the mall and waited for the suspects to come out.

The Sheriff's Office also posted a heartbreaking video of Cigo's handler devastated from the loss and hugging colleagues who lined up to comfort him.

Twitter/@PBCountySheriff

Since posting the video on social media, messages of condolence have been flooding in.

One wrote: "Nothing can help heal your sorrow, except time. I love seeing this kinda brotherhood, but not for this reason. #K9Cigo #mansbestfriend #brothersinblue".

Another added: "As a dog lover and a Law Enforcement supporter I'm watching this with tears streaming down my face. I'm so very sorry."

And a third commented: "Praying for peace and comfort for #K9Cigo's partner, I can't imagine the pain he is feeling tonight. Rest In Peace Cigo you are a #Hero and your wings will be mighty. God Bless."

In a statement, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said: "The reason we want to get them is they are dangerous people."

The suspect at the mall had reportedly met up with two others - one of whom was the suspect in an attempted murder that happened a couple of weeks ago.

The man Cigo was chasing when he was shot hasn't been identified and is in hospital with Bradshaw explaining: "He is not deceased yet. He is pretty well wounded.

"The dog is deceased, but he did his job," Bradshaw said. "Saved those deputies' lives."

Cigo made the ultimate sacrifice, what a hero.

Topics: Police, Dog, News, Florida, US News, Animals

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

@RJShepherd94