K9 Luna fatally shot while trying to apprehend a suspect
When a K9 officer dies, the department and community they are a part of mourn their loss, doubly so when the death happens in the line of duty. What makes it worse is the fact that the K9, named Luna, replaced another Kr, Haas, had who passed in 2019.
Now, Duluth, Minnesota police department officials, and community members are left asking why and where do they go from here?
Shot in the line of duty
The shooting happened while K9 Luna and her handler, Officer Haller, were sent in to apprehend a domestic violence suspect. The suspect, 37-year-old David Joseph Wayne Conwell, had found himself at the center of a domestic dispute when Duluth Police Department officers were called in.
An escalating situation
After their arrival, it was discovered that Conwell had warrants out for his arrest. It was when refused to surrender that Officer Haller and K9 Luna were called in. As Luna entered the home, Conwell opened fire, hitting her.
A tragic death
Luna was rushed to an emergency vet clinic, where she, unfortunately, died from her wounds. On a positive note, no other officers were injured during the exchange of gunfire.
Still refusing to surrender, the suspect engaged in a more than 20-hour standoff. At the end of the standoff, Conwell was killed by officers with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team (ERT) after he was fatally shot.
Dedicated to her job and her handler
K9 Luna had been with the Duluth Police Department since June 2019, after replacing K9 Haas. Having just turned three years old, Luna was known for her endless enthusiasm when it came to performing her duties.
The role of K9 units
Police K9s are trained for a variety of tasks, including suspect apprehension, which was why Officer Haller and K9 Luna had been called to the scene.
Some of the other jobs that a K9 might do as a part of the police force for which they serve include detecting drugs, explosives, and other contraband; search and rescue operations; and patrol duty.
The department and community mourn K9 Luna’s death
Northland K9 Foundation posted about Luna’s death on their Facebook page, stating:
“Thank you to all for the tremendous show of support for K-9 Luna, Officer Haller, the Duluth Police Department, and our entire law enforcement community.
“These are difficult days but the presence of so many of you paying respect and expressing shared grief brings comfort.
“Thanks also to all of the law enforcement and first responders – some who traveled considerable distance – to be part of today’s procession.
“Through her short life and untimely death, K-9 Luna clearly touched many lives, and we will never forget her.”
For more on the story and K9 Luna’s funeral procession, check out the video below.
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