Police Service Dog (PSD) Viper sustained some injuries after responding to a break and enter call early this morning.

At 4:l5 a.m. today, Wednesday, April 8, 2015 the Edmonton Police Service responded to a call for service in relation to theft of vehicles in the area of 147 Avenue and 23 Street. While police were enroute, another complaint came in from the same area. It was reported that a complainant detained a male after he was allegedly breaking into a house using a garage door opener that was stolen from a vehicle parked on the drive way. Police became aware of two possible suspects in the area – one outstanding and the other in held with the complainant.

PSD Viper with EPS Canine Unit was deployed and immediately initiated a track of a suspect. Shortly after, a resident in the complainant’s home opened the front door and their dog escaped from the house and attacked PSD Viper, who was tracking away from the residence. The canine handler attempted to separate the two dogs, but was unsuccessful. The dog that had latched onto PSD Viper would not let go.  A patrol officer who was tracking with Canine unit discharged his firearm, striking the other dog.

The dog was taken to a nearby emergency vet clinic by its owner and was later euthanized. EPS also attended the vet clinic.

“It’s unfortunate that a dog had to be put down this morning,” says Staff Sgt. Troy Carrier with Canine Unit. “The police officer had to make a difficult decision at that moment to save PSD Viper.”

The suspect that was apprehended by complainants is an 18-year-old male who is known to police. He is being charged with break and enter and theft from a motor vehicle.

PSD Viper could not continue to track the suspect after the attack by the dog. The second suspect is still outstanding.

The investigation continues.