Police dog to have eye removed after being shot on duty

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake police dog is scheduled to have his eye removed during surgery after being shot while chasing a suspect in Washington state, authorities said.

The suspect led police officers on a car chase for several miles Feb. 28 before getting out of the vehicle and running away, KING-TV reported.

The suspect was pursued by an officer and his police dog partner, Chief, authorities said. The suspect shot Chief in the eye during the pursuit before officers returned fire, fatally shooting the suspect, police said.

Chief initially need a breathing tube, but was stabilized and treated over a few days by veterinarians at Washington State University.

The bullet destroyed Chief’s eye and broke his jaw, but did not cause other permanent damage, health officials said.

Chief is expected to have eye-removal surgery Wednesday before going home to recover, officials said.

“Chief has been able to walk a bit with his handler and ate for the first time since the shooting. He is still trying to be a little feisty with the other dogs at the veterinary hospital, even if he has to sit down to rest as he is growling,” the Moses Lake Police Department said on Facebook.