By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- A Columbus Police Department officer and police K-9 Havoc were wounded during an officer-involved shooting on June 23 at approximately 12:55 p.m., while a suspect was fatally shot in the incident.
- K-9 Havoc was transported to Auburn Veterinary Hospital and remains in stable condition; the K-9 is expected to undergo surgery with his handler remaining present throughout treatment.
- The injured officer received medical treatment and is expected to make a full physical recovery, according to the Columbus Police Department.
- The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been requested to conduct an independent investigation, with the Columbus Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards also conducting an internal review.
- Police confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety following the incident.
COLUMBUS, GA. — A Columbus Police Department officer and a police K-9 named Havoc were injured during an officer-involved shooting that resulted in a suspect’s death on June 23, according to the police department.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:55 p.m. during operations involving Columbus Police Department members. Both the officer and K-9 Havoc sustained injuries during the shooting that resulted in a fatal outcome for the suspect.
K-9 Havoc was transported to Auburn Veterinary Hospital following the incident. The K-9 remains in stable condition and is expected to undergo surgical treatment. The K-9’s handler has remained at the hospital throughout the animal’s treatment and recovery process.
The officer who was injured received medical attention at the scene and subsequent treatment. The Columbus Police Department stated the officer is expected to make a full physical recovery from his injuries.
In a statement, the Columbus Police Department characterized the incident as a difficult day for the community and department personnel. “In a matter of hours, one life was lost, an officer was injured, and one of our K9s was seriously wounded. It serves as a reminder of the dangers our officers face every day while working to protect this community.”
Following standard protocol in officer-involved shooting incidents, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been requested to conduct an independent investigation. The Columbus Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards will conduct an internal review of the incident.
Police confirmed no ongoing threat to public safety remains as a result of the shooting. The department asked the public to keep the victim’s loved ones, K-9 Havoc, the injured officer, and department members in their thoughts as the investigation proceeds. Additional information has not been released pending completion of the investigation.