Hero K9 in Arizona stabbed to death by suspected armed robber: reports

A police dog was stabbed to death while searching for suspects in an armed robbery in Arizona, according to local reports.

Deputies from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department had been looking for the two male suspects when they saw a man enter a fenced-in commercial yard at about 8 p.m. Friday, according to Tucson.com.

They let the K-9 – named Kenzo – loose and sent him to search the area, the sheriff’s department said in a Saturday news release.

When the pooch didn’t come back, deputies went in after him. When they found him, Kenzo was lying next to one of the suspects and had suffered “life-threatening injuries,” the department said.

Authorities rushed the pup to the veterinarian, but he didn’t make it.

Vets will do a necropsy, but the hero dog “had injuries consistent with a stabbing,” the website said.

“We are saddened by the loss of K9 Kenzo and reminded of the dangers our deputies face along with their K9 partners who serve right beside them,” the department said in a statement.

Two men — Cody D. Bartlett, 36; and Juan Tacho, 32 — were arrested on charges of armed robbery and aggravated robbery.

Bartlett has also been charged with killing or harming a work/service animal, the sheriff’s department said.

Dog lovers and other K-9 units throughout the country sent their regards to the fallen protector.

“K9 Kenzo was killed (stabbed) during the attempt of locating two suspects,” the Georgia Police K9 Foundation wrote on X.

“May he rest in peace,” the post continued. “Thank you for your service, Kenzo. Our thoughts and prayers with all involved.”