A police dog named Credo died after being fatally wounded in an officer-involved shooting in Long Beach Tuesday and the suspect in the shooting was also killed, officials said.
The unidentified suspect was being sought by members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in connection with a December 2014 shooting involving multiple victims in Long Beach, according to a news release from the Long Beach Police Department.
The man was spotted in the 2800 block of East 15th Street about 9 a.m. and barricaded himself in an apartment. At that time, the task force requested assistance from Long Beach Police, the release stated.
After about two hours, the man came outside but refused to comply with the officers’ verbal commands, police said.
“As the suspect began to aggressively charge the officers, intermediate force options were deployed, including a 40mm rubber baton round and a police service dog attached to SWAT,” the release stated.
The man pulled out a knife and continued to move toward the officers, according to police.
At that point, one of the officers “discharged his weapon to protect himself and the other officers.” Both the suspect and Credo were struck by the gunfire, the release stated.
No other officers were injured, police spokeswoman Sgt. Cynthia Arrona said.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Credo was transported by his handler to Signal Hill Pet Hospital and later died.
The knife was recovered at the scene.
Several officers went to the hospital to wait for updates on Credo’s condition and later lined the street outside the facility for a procession.
In a series of tweets, the Long Beach Police Department announced Credo’s death and thanked him for his service to the department and community.
Credo was a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois and worked with the police department for two years with his handler, Officer Mike Parcells, the agency said in a tweet. The dog worked narcotics and patrol and was involved in more than 30 apprehensions, the department said.
Temple Avenue and Orizaba Avenue from 14th to 16th streets were closed during the investigation and motorists were asked to use alternate routes.
Parents of students at nearby Lee Elementary School were asked to pick up their children at Orizaba Avenue and 17th Street during regular dismissal times.
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or has video, or information, is encouraged to the Long Beach Police Department Homicide detail at 562-570-7244.
It's with heartfelt sadness that we announce our K9 Credo succumbed to his injuries
— Long Beach PD (CA) (@LBPD) June 28, 2016
Thank you, K9 Credo, for your service to the @LongBeachCity community
— Long Beach PD (CA) (@LBPD) June 28, 2016
K-9 Credo was a 4-yr-old Belgian Malinois who served the dept for 2-yrs along side his handler Ofc. Mike Parcells. pic.twitter.com/MegmctbEjf
— Long Beach PD (CA) (@LBPD) June 28, 2016
KTLA’s Steve Bien and Jennifer Thang contributed to this story.
