Washington Police Dog Shot to Death Chasing Suspect

VANCOUVER, Wash. – A Vancouver police dog was shot to death while tracking a suspect near Brush Prairie.

The 5-year-old German shepherd named Dakota was shot in the head Tuesday as a SWAT team closed in on a man who had been reported running around with a gun.

Officers had surrounded a wooded area when they heard a shot.

Dakota's handler, Vancouver Officer Roger Evans, found the dead dog and carried it out.

Officers arrested 38-year-old Ronald James Chenette. He was treated for dog bites at Southwest Washington Medical Center before he was booked into jail.

Clark County sheriff's Sgt. Tim Bieber says Chenette has a record that includes, murder, assault and burglary.