SPARTA TOWNSHIP, Michigan – The Kent County Sheriff’s Office announced the death of one of their K-9s.
We were told that Axel died on duty after tracking down a home invasion suspect in Sparta on Saturday afternoon.
The home invasion reportedly occurred in the Glen Park Court and Country View Drive area.
The sheriff’s office explains that the suspect went to a nearby wooded area, adding that Axel started tracking the suspect when he was having a medical emergency. He was transported to the animal emergency hospital, where he died, authorities say.
“The entire Kent County Sheriff’s Office is heartbroken,” said Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young. “A K9 is a partner of your handler and an incredibly special member of our KCSO family. We will forever be grateful to Axel for his service to the people of Kent County. “
We were told there was a procession from Plainfield Avenue to Cedar Springs, where Axel’s personal vet is housed at Cedar Animal Hospital. Several agencies attended the procession, including the Grand Rapids Police Department, Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office, Wyoming Police Department, Michigan State Police, and the Plainfield Township and Cedar Springs fire departments, according to the sheriff’s office.
Axel, who has served at KCSO since May 2019, was their only dog who specialized in detecting explosives.
The sheriff’s office says they are still investigating the Sparta home invasion, but the suspect is unlikely to pose a threat to the community.
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