Officer Shoots Police Dog

Update

The police dog who was shot by an officer Sunday evening underwent surgery and is doing well. 

Blade, a K-9 unit German shepard, was pursuing a suspect when another officer approached from a different direction. 

The dog, likely mistaking the officer for the suspect, attacked the officer.  The officer did not realize Blade was a police dog and shot the dog in self defense. 

Blade was rushed to Falls Road Animal Hospital, where he underwent surgery and is now recovering. 

Original Story

Baltimore police say an officer shot an attacking police dog that may have mistaken the officer for a suspect during a chase.

The chase began Sunday evening after a motorist failed to stop at a speed checkpoint.

Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi says when the motorist got out and ran, officers at the checkpoint asked a K-9 unit help to chase the man. Police say the dog was pursuing the man when an officer approached from a different direction and the dog attacked the officer.

Police say the officer shot the German shepherd at least once in the face after it started biting him on the chest. Guglielmi says the officer didn't know the dog, which was not wearing a police identification vest, was a police dog.

The dog underwent emergency surgery, but its condition is not known.

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