K9 Kevlar Saves Police Dog From Sure Death

They don't ask why, they don't argue, they don't complain, they just do what they're asked in the most selfless way possible.

Koba, a two-year veteran of the department, underwent surgery and was recovering Tuesday, police said.

Koba’s handler and Police Chief Jimmy Perdue were with him at a local veterinary clinic.

“Koba was wearing a vest when he was injured during this incident which we believe saved his life,” police Sgt. Melissa Andrews said in a news release Tuesday.

Koba suffered a gunshot wound during an incident in which a man described as being suicidal fired at officers and was shot and injured by police.

The man was out of surgery at about 1 a.m. Tuesday, police said.

Police identified the suspect as Jamie Ramirez, 47.

North Richland Hills police were called about 7:15 p.m. Monday to assist Watauga officers in a police chase that ended in the area of Caracas and Trinidad drives near Rufe Snow Drive in North Richland Hills.

Ramirez showed a weapon during the pursuit and when he was stopped and got out of his car after briefly barricading himself in it, he confronted officers and refused to comply with their orders. That’s when K-9 Koba was released, a lesser lethal option, and the suspect opened fire and several officers returned fire, Andrews said Tuesday. Koba was injured during the incident.

The sequence of events is still unclear. Police did not say whether the K-9 was injured by the suspect or by officers returning fire.

Ramirez was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital for treatment and is being charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, Andrews said.

Officers also sought treatment for Koba, she said.

“K9 Koba did well through surgery,” according to a Facebook post on the department’s page. Police did not say where the K-9 was shot during the incident.

“We are very hopeful that he will return to full duty,” Andrews said Tuesday morning. “Officer Koba is a part of our police family. We love him very much.”

Koba, a 4-year-old part Dutch Shepherd and part Belgian Malinois, is trained in patrol functions as well as in narcotics. He and his handler have been together for two years.

Koba is the younger of two K-9s on the force, Andrews said. Breta is the veteran of the K-9 unit in the department.

Anyone wishing to help or send cards to Koba and his handler can mail well wishes to: K-9 Officer Koba, 4301 City Point Drive, North Richland Hills, TX, 76180.

CREDIT: 

https://www.star-telegram.com/latest-news/article224564695.html

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