TULARE (KMJ) — A Tulare Police K9 and a suspect are both dead, following an overnight traffic stop which ended with an officer involved shooting.
The incident began around 7pm Sunday. Officers were following a driver who led them on a chase from within the City of Tulare into Tulare County, ending close to Tulare Avenue and Palm Street. It is unknown what prompted the attempted stop.
“When it came to a conclusion, there were shots fired,” revealed Sergeant Jon Hamlin.
Hamlin said one officer was struck in the arm and in the torso, with his ballistic vest offering lifesaving protection.
K9 Bane, who accompanied the officer, was struck and died at the scene. Tulare Police provided an overnight escort for Bane, taking him from the scene to a Tulare County Sheriff’s Office facility.
There were three passengers in the suspect vehicle: one killed, another in a serious condition, and the third uninjured but taken for observation. All were transported to local hospitals.
The investigation into this officer involved shooting has been turned over to Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.
“We’re just in a state of shock right now,” said Sergeant Hamlin. “We’re trying to process the events of tonight.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
