Tacoma Police Department, Washington
End of Watch Thursday, August 13, 2020
Add to My HeroesRonja
K9 Ronja was shot and killed while tracking a murder suspect in the 3600 block of South M Street at about 1:30 am.
Another officer had spotted the man in a vehicle and recognized him as being wanted in connection to a murder that had occurred the previous night. The subject led officers on a vehicle pursuit until crashing and bailing out on foot. K9 Ronja and her handler arrived at the scene and began a track for the subject. The man opened fire on officers when he was located in the 3600 block of M Street and struck K9 Ronja.
K9 Ronja was taken to a veterinary hospital where she died later in the morning.
One of the officers on the scene returned fire and wounded the subject, who was taken into custody. The subject, a convicted felon, was found guilty of second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, one count of second-degree assault, and harming a police dog. He was sentenced to more than 64 years in prison.
K9 Ronja had served with the Tacoma Police Department for only eight months.
Bio
- Breed German Shepherd
- Gender Female
- Age 2
- Tour 8 months
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to more than 64 years
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