According to the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, a Tombstone deputy marshal had to fatally shoot his K-9 partner after the dog attacked him.
According to the sheriff’s office, the incident took place on Tuesday at approximately 5 a.m. on the second floor of the Tombstone Marshal’s Office, located on Fremont Street.
Deputy Marshal John Cody recounted his experience to investigators, stating that he was working alongside his loyal K-9 partner, Hawk, when the unexpected occurred – Hawk turned on him and launched an attack.
According to a statement from the CCSO, Deputy Marshal Cody reported that the K-9 clung onto his leg and refused to release, resulting in a significant ankle/leg injury. In an attempt to get the K-9 to let go, Deputy Marshal Cody managed to enter the bathroom and partially close the door.
Cody was compelled to shoot Hawk as he refused to let go.
Cody was flown to a Tucson hospital for treatment for injuries to his leg, while Hawk tragically passed away at the scene.
Cody is currently on medical leave as the investigation takes place.
“We highly appreciate our K-9 program and handlers,” stated Tombstone Marshal Jim Adams. “We have full confidence that the Sheriff’s Office will conduct a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation of this regrettable incident.”
The department is currently investigating the incident as a shooting involving an officer.
There have been a total of 35 officer-involved shootings outside of Maricopa County and 83 in the state of Arizona in 2024.