Published August 22nd, 2024
A K-9 officer with the Alton, Illinois, Police Department (APD) and his K-9 partner were shot early Thursday morning. At approximately 6:05 a.m. Thursday, APD officers observed an individual who was a suspect in a reported shooting that had occurred on Wednesday evening. A foot pursuit ensued, and during the foot pursuit, the suspect exchanged gunfire with the pursuing officers. During that exchange of gunfire, an Alton K-9 police officer, his K-9 partner, and the suspected gunman were shot.
The officer and the assailant were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The K-9 was transported to a local veterinary facility for treatment but succumbed to his injuries. In a statement to the press, Alton Mayor David Goins stated the officer’s ballistic-resistant vest “took most of the impact” and saved his life. The officer remains in the hospital for treatment. The other individual who was shot also succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The Illinois State Police are investigating the incident.
