Kootenai County K-9 Pulls Through Surgery After Being Shot in Line of Duty

Some good news from Kootenai County, Idaho, following up on a K-9 shooting.

   Kootenai County K-9 Survives Shooting, Surgery

Tuesday evening, K-9 Appa was assisting Deputies, who were searching for an armed suspect who'd "made contact" with some children on a rural road a few miles southeast of Couer D' Alene, in a recreational area.

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 As Deputies located the suspect, 45-year-old Derek Robert Martin of Bonner County, he turned and pointed his firearm at the Officers. He then fled, with K-9 Appa in pursuit. As Appa was attempting to take him down, he fired several shots at the approaching K-9 and Officers.

   A Deputy Returned Fire and Martin was Killed

Martin was dead at the scene, and now Idaho State Police are handling the independent investigation.   Now, and update has been released on Appa's condition.

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office says he was rushed to an animal care center following the shooting:

"Following the incident, K9 Appa underwent two surgeries yesterday and his prognosis is good. K9 Appa has since been released from veterinary care and is now recovering at home with his handler and family, where he will continue to receive the rest and care needed during his recovery."

The KCSO says they are overwhelmed by the incredible outpouring of support from the community toward the K-9 Officer. He will continue to recover, monitored closely. It is not yet known if Appa will eventually return to service.

On the topic of Appa being shot, no exact national stats are kept, but Officials estimate between 5 and 15 K-9 Police dogs are shot and killed annually in the US.