Wounded Ohio K-9 Fighting for Its Life

A Canton, Ohio police K-9 is fighting for its life after being shot by a suspect early Saturday morning.

Officer Ryan Davis and K-9 Jethro responded to a reported burglar alarm around 1:13 a.m. at Fishers Foods at 1272 Harrison Avenue Southwest when the incident occurred, according to The Repository.

After entering the store with the assistance of an off-the-clock employee, it was discovered that someone gained entry to the store through the roof.

Davis called for backup while he and Jethro searched for the suspect. The K-9 then spotted a man, identified as 22-year-old Kelontre D. Barefield. Officials said Barefield opened fire, wounding Jethro.

The officer returned fire before the suspect ran out a door and began shooting at other officers who had arrived on the scene. One of the officers shot back at Barefield.

He then fled into a yard of a home in the 1200 block of Greenfield Avenue Southwest where he was soon taken into custody by officers. He suffered a gunshot wound to his ankle. He arrested and taken to Aultman Hospital, where he underwent surgery.

Jethro suffered several gunshot wounds -- at least one to his nose and several to the body. The dog was rushed to the Stark County Emergency Veterinary Clinic for treatment. The dog was not wearing a bulletproof vest since the department's K-9 only wear vests on "gun-specific calls."

Police Chief Bruce Lawver said that Jethro's recovery is "a wait-and-see type of thing.”

"There’s not a doubt in my mind that that dog saved officers' lives today," he said.