Suspect, police K-9 die in officer-involved shooting near Norcross

Suspect, K-9 officer killed in shootout

Gwinnett County police said a suspect and a K-9 officer were killed in an exchange of gunfire as officers were investigating a report of gang activity and a possible stolen car.

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - Police said a suspect and a K-9 officer were killed during an exchange of gunfire near a motel near Norcross Thursday afternoon.

The incident happened around 1 p.m. near the intersection of Willow Trail Parkway and Indian Trail-Lilburn Road. Gwinnett County police said officers were investigating a report of gang activity in the area. Officers noticed a stolen vehicle when two suspects ran from the scene, police said.

Police investigate an officer-involved shooting at a motel off of Willow Trail Parkway near Norcross on Sept. 10, 2020. (FOX 5)

Officers, including the police K-9, gave chase. Police said one of the officers noticed something in one of the suspects' hands. Police said the suspect then opened fire.

Police returned fire.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was asked to investigate the officer-involved shooting.

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Police investigate an officer-involved shooting at a motel off of Willow Trail Parkway near Norcross on Sept. 10, 2020. (FOX 5)

Police searched several hours for a second suspect, identified only as a black female, however, the suspect remains at large. A description has not been released.

Officers said the suspect was hiding out in the woods near a motel.

Police investigate an officer-involved shooting at a motel off of Willow Trail Parkway near Norcross on Sept. 10, 2020. (FOX 5)

SKYFOX 5 flew over the scene around 4 p.m. and spotted police tape surrounding a portion of a motel near the intersection. Police were combing over the scene for evidence.

Police identified the K-9 as Blue. The dog was shot at least once and rushed to an area veterinarian, but died due to the gunshot wound.

"He did what he did without hesitation and because of what he did he saved our teammates' lives. There is no doubt about it," Lt. Jason Teague remarked.

K-9 officer killed in the line of duty

The Gwinnett County Police Department is mourning the loss of a K-9 SWAT officer killed during a please shootout.

Officers said he was very social and very valuable to the team.

Blue was the first full-time SWAT K-9. The 5-year-old has served the county for a little more than a year.

The dog was selected from Houston, Texas after a nationwide search that took just about a year.

Gwinnett County police SWAT K-9 Blue (Gwinett County Police Department)

Anyone with information on this incident or knows the whereabouts of the second suspect is asked to call GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477).

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