Indiana Officer Killed, K-9 Wounded

July 12, 2011
Indiana Officer Killed, K-9 Wounded in Shooting

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. --

A Terre Haute police officer shot while serving a warrant Monday afternoon has died, police confirmed.

Officer Brent Long, 34, and his K-9 partner, Shadow, were among a group of officers serving a warrant for a felony probation violation at a home at 1812 N. 8th St. about 3:30 p.m. Monday when someone inside opened fire, police said.

"They were serving the arrest warrant when suddenly shots rang out against the officers from who we believe was the suspect they were looking for," said state police Sgt. Joe Watts.

Long and his dog were shot in the exchange. Long was taken to Union Hospital in Terre Haute, where he later died.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the family," Watts said, holding back tears. "It's a tragic loss."

Police said the suspect in the case, a man in his 30s, was shot and killed inside the home. His name was not released Monday evening.

"I saw them carrying a man and realized it was a cop," said neighbor Barbara Sparks. "They started doing CPR on him and everything, and he looked like he was dead and we just started crying."

Officers thanked the Terre Haute Fire Department, who quickly went in to try to save Long's life after the shooting.

"In our time of need, they charged in and began treating the fallen officer," Watts said.

The K-9 was taken to a local veterinarian where he was recovering Monday night.

Officials said Long, a six-year veteran of the department, is survived by his wife, their 11-year-old daughter and 10-month-old son.

"The police department is a family, and we've lost one of our own today," said Terre Haute police Deputy Chief Shawn Keen.

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