GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – A police K9 in Gwinnett County, Georgia, died Thursday after tracking a suspect in 90-degree heat.
Police said Eli, a 9-year-old police service dog, and his handler Officer Bonanno, were called in to help track a suspect who fled from Snellville officers.
Within 30 minutes of the tracking, Eli, an eight-year veteran with the department, started to shows signs of distress, which were believed to be related to the heat, AJC reported.
The police service dog was then taken to a veterinarian for treatment; however, he passed after that evening.
“We mourn the loss of this courageous K-9 and will provide more details at a later time,” Gwinnett police said in a news release. “Please keep Officer Bonnano and his family in your thoughts.”
Police did not indicate why the suspect was wanted or if the person was captured.
