On-duty Gary K-9 officer fatally shot; suspect in custody

An on-duty K-9 was shot and killed during a foot pursuit July 13, 2023 in Gary, Ind. (Sun-Times file)

A man was in custody after an on-duty K-9 officer was shot and killed Thursday in Gary, Ind.

K-9 Falco and an officer were involved in a foot pursuit Thursday afternoon near 35th Place and Martin Luther King Drive when Falco was shot and killed, Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. said in a statement.

A 29-year-old man was taken into custody, authorities said. He was wanted for aggravated battery and criminal recklessness. 

The officer involved in the foot pursuit was not injured.

Falco, who was 10, had served as a K-9 officer for 8 years, officials said.

“I am proud of the work of this K-9 officer, his handler and all officers involved in today’s arrest and investigation,” Martinez said.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation.

REST IN PEACE K9 FALCO

The men and women of Constable Mark Herman's Office extend their heartfelt condolences to the Gary Police Department and they mourn the loss of K9 Falco, who was shot and killed while apprehending a fleeing suspect.

Rest in peace sweet boy. 🌈🐾 pic.twitter.com/ZSbn60QM4j

— Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 (@Pct4Constable) July 14, 2023