A Phoenix police K-9 died while attempting to take down a suspect Tuesday afternoon.
K-9 Bane was killed after he was deployed to apprehend a man who was wanted for carjacking and leading police on a pursuit through the city, according to The Arizona Republic.
When officers entered a home the suspect ran into after he abandoned the stolen car, they found the man on top of the dog. The suspect, who has not yet been identified, was injured and taken to a local hospital after he was taken into custody.
In a statement released late Tuesday night, officials did not specify how Bane died, but did confirm the dog was not shot. The 3-year-old Belgian Malinois served with the Phoenix Police Department for a little more than a year.
"We sent Bane in to do what the dogs do. They are our protectors, they are our partners and it's definitely with heart that we lost Bane," Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams told reporters.
The incident is currently under investigation.
