California Police Dog, Parolee Killed in Shootout

PALM SPRINGS -- A wanted parolee was shot and killed and a police dog is dead after an early morning shootout Sunday in Palm Springs, police said.

The shooting broke out after two police officers identified a wanted parolee after 1 a.m. on the 2700 block of Verona Road.

When they tried to detain the suspect, the suspect fled on foot, police officials said in a statement.

One of the officers sent his dog, Ike, to apprehend him.

As the dog approached, the parolee pulled out a gun and fired several rounds, hitting the dog and an officer.

Officers fired back, killing the suspect.

Ike, a German Shepherd who had been with the department for two years, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.

"Ike is the first K-9 to die in the line of duty in the history of the Palm Springs police K-9 program," police spokeswoman Rhonda Long said in a news release.

"Ike was a loyal and faithful partner and he will be missed," she said

One officer was hit in the chest but was wearing a bullet proof vest. He was taken to a local hospital for observation and was quickly released.

The second officer was treated for injuries to his right hand during the struggle.

The suspect's name has not been released and is pending notification of next of kin.