GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. – A South Jersey police dog was killed in the line of duty Tuesday night trying to apprehend a suspect, authorities said.
Gloucester Township police said K-9 Shultz, a 3-and-a-half-year-old German Shepard, was released when cops spotted a suspect in a robbery of the Lucky Dragon Chinese Restaurant on Erial Road by the side of Route 42.
An officer released the dog to make the apprehension, but the suspect fought back. As the dog moved in, the suspect allegedly took the animal and threw it into moving traffic.
"Our K-9s have obviously been, done great work and dedicated service to the community in terms of apprehending criminals and searching for missing children and doing demonstrations. And, obviously, he will be sadly missed by all of us," Chief Harry Earle said.
Police are still looking for two suspects. Officers honored Shultz by processing with the dog's remains to the Chews Landing Veterinary Hospital.
A photograph of Shultz was posted to the department's Facebook page , along with a message that read, "Thank you everyone for the support you have show us in the past few hours, and keep Cpl. Pickard and his family, as well as the brothers and sisters of the GTPD, in your prayers. Also, thank you everyone who assisted us tonight from numerous Police Departments, Fire Departments, EMS, and Fire Police."