ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) — St. Paul Police opened fire on a man Tuesday after he allegedly stabbed one of their police dogs to death.
According to police, officers were looking for a man to question at a St. Paul residence along Aurora Avenue. Police wouldn’t say why they were interested in speaking with the man, but the U.S. Marshal and Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office were also present.
Police say the officers sent a K9, named Kody (pictured below), downstairs to investigate.
The suspect stabbed Kody, and officers responded with gunfire, hitting and killing the man.
Kody died as a result of his injuries, and his death is hitting St. Paul Police hard.
“Being that I was a previous K9 handler, it’s sentimental, it’s something, it’s like a family member,” said Sgt. Paul Paulos, of the St. Paul Police. “It hits the department hard. It’s like one of our own.”
Kody was Officer Dave Longbehn’s partner.
St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman released a statement on the shooting, thanking Kody for his sacrifice.
“K-9 dogs take on whatever task is asked of them, oftentimes amidst the worst of circumstances,” the statement said. “I thank him for his sacrifice for the city, I am thankful for the safety of Officer Longbehn and other officers involved in this incident, and I will remember Kody fondly as a good partner and companion for Officer Longbehn and the City of Saint Paul.”
At this point, police aren’t releasing the man’s identity or why they were seeking him in the first place.
The investigation is ongoing.
(credit: St. Paul Police Department)
