JONESBORO, Ark. — It’s a sad time for the Jonesboro Police Department as K9 Gabo, a canine that survived being shot several times, has passed away.
The Arkansas police agency said Gabo served the department for 7 years. He was partnered with his handler, Erik Johnson, during his tenure with the organization.
K9 Gabo made headlines in December of 2018 after he was shot five times during an encounter with a suspect. Jonesboro police said a bullet-and-stab-proof-vest stopped the round that would’ve been fatal.
As a result K9 Gabo returned to duty just two months after the shooting, WREG reported.
The Jonesboro Police Department chronicled K9 Gabo’s service:
Gabo was born on 7/1/2011 in Hungary and was imported to the US at roughly 1 year old. This incredible K9 Team specialized in narcotics detection, patrol work, tracking, building search, handler protection and suspect apprehension. Most notably, Gabo assisted in a SWAT callout on December 11, 2018 where he was shot five times at point-blank range. A bullet- and stab-proof vest presented to him by Vested Interest in K9s stopped the bullet that would have been fatal. Gabo returned to duty just two months later and didn’t skip a beat in working alongside his partner, Inv Erik Johnson, again.
In 2019, Jonesboro Police awarded K9 Gabo and Inv. Johnson “Officer of the Year.” In that same year, CrimeStoppers of Jonesboro awarded the duo “Persons of the Year.” Furthermore, Gabo received the “Medal of Valor” for his service on the night he was shot.
K9 Gabo will fondly be remembered for his service and companionship.
