Riverside County Sheriff K9 shot killed

K9

Sultan

Riverside County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch: Wednesday, January 21, 2015

https://www.odmp.org/k9/1547-k9-sultan

On January 21, 2015, at approximately 2:30 pm, deputies from the Hemet Sheriff's Station responded to the area of San Jacinto Street and Clark Drive in regards to a wanted felon seen in the area.  Upon the deputies' arrival they received information that the suspect was last seen in a property located on the 40200 block of Clark Drive.  A San Jacinto Police K9 handler and his K9 partner "Sultan" responded to assist in the search of the wanted felon.  

During the search, K9 Sultan alerted to a crawl space underneath a residence.  Due to the confined space K9 Sultan was sent in to determine if the suspect was hiding.  Moments later an indistinguishable noise was heard and K9 Sultan returned from the crawl space with an injury to his neck. K9 Sultan was immediately transported to local veterinarian hospital where he expired.

Because the suspect refused to exit the residence and barricaded himself inside, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department SWAT Team responded. During the lengthy standoff, SWAT personnel made numerous announcements to have the suspect surrender.  

In an attempt to have the suspect surrender peacefully, SWAT personnel deployed tear gas.  Shortly thereafter, the suspect emerged from underneath the residence armed with a handgun and a deputy involved shooting occurred.  

The suspect died on scene and his name is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.  No deputies were injured and per department policy the involved deputies will be placed on paid administrative leave.  

Investigators from the Hemet Sheriff's Station and the Riverside County Sheriff's Central Homicide Unit responded to the scene and assumed control of the investigation.  This is an active investigation, and no further details will be released at this time.  Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator  Alfaro at the Riverside Sheriff's Central Homicide Unit (951) 955-2777 or Investigator Porrazzo  with the Hemet Sheriff's Station (951) 791-3400.  

http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/chu15-0121.asp