Feb. 20, 2023 San Joaquin County Sheriff’s K-9 Duke was killed in the line of duty while apprehending a burglary suspect.
By Officer.com News
BANTA, California — The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department is mourning the loss of one of their own. K-9 Duke, a beloved and highly trained police dog, was killed in the line of duty while apprehending a burglary suspect over the weekend.
According to the sheriff’s office, the K-9 was stabbed multiple times Sunday around 12:15 p.m. at a train yard near Banta and Brichetto roads and was taken to the Central Valley Veterinarian Hospital in Manteca.
The loss of K9 Duke has sent shockwaves through the department, with many officers struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. The suspect is now in custody and the department is withholding further details to protect the ongoing investigation.
The incident has also highlighted the vital role that police dogs play in keeping communities and the officers they serve next to safe. Without the courageous actions of K-9 Duke, it could have been a deputy who lost their life instead. However, the department is now facing a potential threat to their ability to use police dogs in this way. Proposed Assembly Bill 742 seeks to prohibit the use of unleashed police dogs for apprehension purposes. If passed, this bill could have devastating consequences for law enforcement agencies across the state, as it would severely limit their ability to protect themselves and their communities, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department.
The department has urged lawmakers to consider the important role that police dogs play in apprehending suspects and keeping officers safe. They argue that K-9 units are highly trained and essential members of any law enforcement team.
For now, the department is focused on honoring the memory of K-9 Duke and supporting his handler during this difficult time. They have requested that the community keep them in their thoughts and prayers as they come to terms with this tragic loss.