On-duty K-9 killed in Gary, Indiana shooting; man arrested: police

GARY, Ind. (WLS) -- A man has been arrested after Falco the K-9 officer was shot to death in northwest Indiana on Thursday afternoon, police said.

The Gary Police Department said the shooting happened during a foot chase just before 2 p.m., moments after the dog's handler, 17-year veteran Corporal Angel Lozano, tried to pull over a suspect wanted for aggravated battery and criminal recklessness.

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Police said the suspect opened fire, striking 10-year-old Falco, an eight-year veteran with the department, in a backyard near East 35th Court and Tennessee Street. The officer involved in the foot pursuit was not injured, and a 29-year-old man was taken into custody.

Neighbors told ABC7 they heard the shots from inside their homes.

In his tenure, the Shepherd/Belgian Malinois apprehended 1,000 violent offenders and found multiple missing children and endangered adults. Officers from multiple law enforcement agencies participated in a procession honoring the K-9 as his remains were transported to Hobart Animal Clinic.

Gary police wouldn't give information on the suspect as they said the Lake County Indiana Sheriff's Department is handling the case.