LASD K-9 recovering and "resting comfortably" after being shot during Compton suspect search
A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department K-9 is recovering and "resting comfortably" Thursday after being shot in Compton on Wednesday.
Deputies say that it happened around 6:30 p.m., when they were searching for an assault with a deadly weapon suspect who was armed with a handgun in the 100 block of E. Spruce Street.
At some point, the suspect emerged from hiding and shot the K9 named Kjeld, a search dog for the Special Enforcement Bureau.
Kjeld was rushed to a local animal hospital after the shooting, where he was treated for his injury and was released. Deputies say he was wearing a bulletproof vest, which absorbed the brunt of the gunshot.
"The heroic actions by K9-Kjeld were crucial in saving the lives of our deputies and even the suspect who shot him, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and dedication," LASD said in a statement.
On social media the sheriff's department said Thursday morning that "K-9 Kjeld is resting comfortably this morning after being shot last night during an LASD SEB SWAT canine operation,"
K-9 Kjeld is resting comfortably this morning after being shot last night during an #LASD SEB SWAT canine operation for an armed assault with a deadly weapon suspect in Compton. The bullet was partially deflected by his vest. Suspect in custody. Neighborhood safe. pic.twitter.com/H5kpYTyQw1
— SEB (@SEBLASD) April 18, 2024
The suspect was arrested following the shooting.
Deputies say that they did not return fire in the incident.