ANOKA, Minn. — Anoka County police say a K-9 has been released from the veterinary hospital after being shot in a confrontation between law enforcement and two suspects.
According to police, K-9 Bravo was originally expected to need surgery for his wounds after a bullet nicked his trachea and caused some soft tissue damage.
On Monday, police said Bravo is recovering without surgery. In a Facebook post Monday afternoon, they said Bravo has been released from the hospital and will recover at home with his handler. It's not certain yet, but police told KARE 11 Bravo may even be able to return to work after he recovers.
The K-9 was deployed after officers from a number of departments pursued a vehicle stolen at gunpoint in Blaine Sunday afternoon.
Police say two suspects led authorities on a 40-mile chase speed up to 110 miles per hour, ending when the stolen truck was disabled by stop sticks in Isanti County. During the confrontation that followed one of the suspects was fatally shot, and Bravo was wounded.
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the shooting, including how many officers shot at the suspect and whether Bravo was shot by the suspect first. You can read more about the shooting here.
The post thanked "the thousands of people" who commented or called to wish Bravo well, and expressed thoughts and prayers for the dog's recovery.
"K-9 Bravo is not only a partner to our Anoka Police Officers, he is our friend and has become the de facto therapy dog for the department," reads a post on the department's Facebook page. "Please continue to keep Bravo and all the officers involved in your thoughts and prayers."
The BCA has taken over the investigation of the officer-involved shooting. The second suspect is in custody awaiting charges.