A police dog was released from the hospital Monday and is recovering from being shot during a pursuit that started in Blaine and ended in Isanti County with one suspect killed and another jailed.
Bravo was tended to at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center by a "team of heroes who will be able to provide him with the best care possible," the Anoka Police Department said in a Facebook posting about its four-legged law enforcer.
The K-9 left the medical center Monday afternoon without needing surgery, the Police Department said.
A bullet "nicked his trachea and caused some soft-tissue damage," a police statement read. Veterinary personnel "believe it will heal on its own," the statement said.
Blaine Police Chief Brian Podany said officers responded to a call involving a possible shoplifting theft at Kohl's department store just before 1 p.m. Sunday.
The two suspects had a stolen vehicle and fled, then carjacked another vehicle nearby, a pickup truck, at gunpoint, leading police on a 40-mile high-speed chase through Anoka and Isanti counties, police said.
After the pickup became disabled on Hwy. 65 outside Braham, the suspects got out and ran. They exchanged gunfire with police, who killed a man who has not yet been identified. A gun was recovered at the scene.
Anoka police said in their Facebook message that "we are confident that extreme acts of bravery were displayed. ... We are also confident that K-9 Bravo performed his duties with the greatest act of heroism."
