Sadly, Sunday while on duty the Sheriff’s Office K9 Duke was apprehending a suspect and was killed. This happened in Banta, near Tracy.
San Joaquin Sheriff’s said that Duke suffered multiple stab wounds. Sheriff’s department posted on twitter saying:
Our hearts are heavy as we share that one of our own, San Joaquin County Sheriff's K9, Duke, was killed in the line of duty while apprehending a burglary suspect. The suspect is in custody.
Duke was deployed when the suspects barricaded themselves in an engine room of a nearby train. As deputies opened the door enough for Duke to get through, the Deputies heard howling noticing the suspect had a weapon. Duke later died at the scene.
The suspects are in custody. Duke served for more than 6 years and the county is looking to do a service for his passing. Sheriff Withrow told KCRA 3 that officials are currently planning a procession for Duke, but a date has not been set yet.