SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — A South Fulton Police K-9 officer died Friday when the service animal was hit by gunfire from a College Park officer, authorities said.
The exact circumstances surrounding the officer firing his weapon were not clear.
College Park Police Department said it was assisting with the arrest of suspect stemming from an aggravated assault incident that happened within the City of South Fulton's jurisdiction. Police were called to the Elite City View apartment complex around 9:31 a.m. to help South Fulton investigators, according to Major O. Manning with CPPD.
The incident happened around 10:45 a.m. at the apartment complex on Lakemont Drive in College Park as K-9 teams from the South Fulton Police Department were deployed to find a suspect who'd taken off earlier from a traffic stop and "discharged his firearm multiple times," South Fulton Police said.
South Fulton Police said the suspect had previously escaped to the notoriously troubled Camelot Condominiums apartments in South Fulton. It's not clear how the suspect, who was not named, made his way to the College Park complex.
South Fulton Police said the suspect was taken into custody at the time of the incident.
"Unfortunately, during the operation, our K-9 Max was struck by gunfire by an officer from the College Park Police Department. The South Fulton Police Department is working closely with the College Park Police Department to thoroughly investigate this heartbreaking incident," a statement said. "We are committed to understanding the full circumstances of this tragedy and ensuring such an incident does not occur again."
In a statement provided Monday, College Park Police said during their officers response in assistance for the South Fulton department, "one of the K-9 officers of the South Fulton K-9 team, Officer Max, was tragically killed in the line of duty by an officer of the College Park Police Department while at the location.
"The unexpected loss of K-9 Officer Max is a very unfortunate situation and a great loss to the law enforcement community," College Park Police said. "Both departments are collaboratively working together to investigate the circumstances behind this incident."
Video from a witness' doorbell appears to show the K-9 lunging at an officer before the shooting.
"This morning, my daughter was sitting on the back porch, on the deck. She said she saw the dog released and then she heard shots. But the dog never came back," resident Doris White-Riley said.
"Our K-9 officers are not just dogs; they are valued members of our police family and community. The loss of K-9 Max deeply affects us all, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the handler and everyone who worked closely with our fallen hero," South Fulton Police said. "We appreciate the community's support and understanding during this difficult time. We also extend our gratitude to all officers and departments involved in the ongoing effort to ensure public safety."
South Fulton Police said a memorial service would be held and that details will be announced for it shortly.
"We invite the community to join us in remembering and honoring the bravery and service of our K-9 hero," the department said.