K-9 Officer Bruno Going Home After Near-Fatal Shooting
ANAHEIM (CBSLA.com) — K-9 Officer Bruno will be going home to continue his recovery after he was shot in the line of duty last month.
Vets at Yorba Regional Animal Hospital performed several surgeries on the 7-year-old German Shepherd after he was critically injured while leading his Handling Officer R.J. Young to a suspect who had shot at two parole officers in Anaheim on March 20.
The career-ending bullet struck Bruno in the jaw, became lodged in his chest ended up less than an inch from his heart.
Community members rallied around the wounded K-9 as he fought through his recovery.
And Anaheim police said Wednesday Bruno had responded well enough to his surgeries to be discharged.
Officer Young previously credited Bruno with saving officers from gunfire.
"There is no doubt in my mind that if Bruno weren't there, there's not a doubt in my mind that someone would have gotten hurt," Young said.
Police say the suspect who fired at Bruno was later identified as 21-year-old Robert Moreno Jr., a known gang member who was released from jail 10 days earlier.
Anaheim Police Department, the City of Anaheim and Dr. Steven Dunbar, of the Yorba Regional Animal Hospital, will hold a press conference on Friday to discuss details of Bruno's release and his retirement.
Bruno is expected to make a brief appearance.
A day with the community will be planned when he officially retires. Details of the event have not yet been released.
RELATED STORIES:
K-9 Officer Bruno's Damaged Lungs Functioning Properly After Surgery
Officer Speaks Out For 1st Time Since Shootout Nearly Claims K-9 Partner, Bruno
Anaheim Police: Bruno, Critically Wounded K-9 Officer, Eating On His Own
Suspect Killed, Police Dog Shot During Parole Check In Anaheim
