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February 21, 2024

UPDATE: DeSoto County K9 officer shot by suspect dies just prior to retirement

Morgan Howard

UPDATE:

According to the Department of Public Safety, DeSoto County K-9 Officer Luca has passed away as a result of his injuries after being shot in the line of duty on Tuesday.

DPS’ Facebook post reads:

“Today, we mourn the loss of Luca, a K-9 with the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department, who was killed in the line of duty during an officer-involved shooting incident.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his handler and the entire department during this time.

Luca was a true hero, and his bravery and service will never be forgotten.”

DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle sent out a press release on the incident making it clear that his deputies shot back at the suspect, which is in line with their training.

“I want to be clear: In this profession, any loss of life is tragic,” he wrote. “Our officers did not make this decision. The suspect made this decision by being non-compliant, firing at our officers, and fatally wounding our K-9.”

Tuggle went on to address the loss of K-9 Luca.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the handlers and all members of our K-9 unti as we mourn the loss of our loyal and dedicated K-9 Luca. Our thoughts are with the entire law enforcement community at this difficult time.

Luca was 11 years old, and was one month away from retirement.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting involving the Desoto County Sheriff’s Department that occurred on February 21st, near U.S. 61, South of MS 3 in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi.

Deputies were involved in a vehicle pursuit when deputies initiated a PIT maneuver on the subject’s vehicle.

The vehicle then came to a stop and a K9 was released, the subject discharged a weapon, striking the K9.

Deputies then discharged their weapons, striking the subject.

The subject received fatal injuries. The officers involved did not receive any serious physical injuries.

The K9 officer has serious injuries and is being treated at a local veterinary hospital.

This information is preliminary and subject to change.

MBI is currently assessing this critical incident and gathering evidence.

Upon completing the investigation, agents will share their findings with the Attorney General’s Office.