A Tennessee police department is mourning the loss of a K9 officer, who died after a man opened fire on a patrol car on Tuesday. The La Vergne Police Department issued a release about the passing of K9 Sjaak, who died during surgery.
The Department writes:
It is with a heavy heart that the La Vergne Police Department announces K9 Sjaak has passed away. Sjaak (pron: Jacques) underwent surgery Wednesday evening but did not survive the operation.
Interim Chief Chip Davis stated:
Our hearts are broken. Our K9s are members of the LPD family. Sjaak was an amazing and loyal dog. We ask everyone to keep Officer Darby, his family, and all of the La Vergne officers in your thoughts and prayers as we deal with this loss.”
As reported by the Daily News Journal, the shooter is identified as 39-year-old Javon Brice. The man opened fire on Officer Justin Darby’s patrol vehicle “seemingly at random.” Officer Darby was not injured in the shooting, but Brice was killed.
K9 Sjaak had been with the department since 2014. Final arrangements are still being made and will be released at a later date.
(Image of Sjaak via LaVergne Police Department)
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Sadly, the K9 officer did not make it. However, justice prevailed and the suspect continued to shoot at police who returned fire and the suspect died. Prayers for the officers and the family of the K9 officer.
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