Kootenai County Suspect Fatally Shot, But Not Before He Shot K-9 Several Times

The Kootenai County, Idaho Sheriff's Department reported this afternoon one of their K-9's, Appa, is fighting for his life after being shot Tuesday evening.

    Fleeing Suspect Fires at Dog

KCSO Deputies and a SWAT Team were pursuing a male suspect, following a suspicious person's call from witnesses.  Around 8:20 PM, Deputies responded to a report of an armed man, who had made contact with children in the area, about 2 miles southeast of Couer'D Alene.

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While searching for the man, he was located by Deputies, but he pointed a firearm at them, then fled into the woods. While being pursued by K-9 Appa, the suspect turned and fired several shots at the dog, hitting him at least one time.  Officers did not say how many times he was struck.

   SWAT Team Joined Pursuit

Shortly afterward, Officers racing into the woods confronted the suspect, identified as 45-year-old Derek Robert Martin of Bonner County.  An Officer-involved shooting occurred and Martin was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Idaho State Police are conducting the independent shooting investigation, due to the KCSO being directly involved.

KCSO Sheriff Robert "Bob" Norris released a statement that read in part:

“Our hearts and prayers are with K9 Appa, his handler, and all of the deputy sheriff’s and police officers who brought this significant threat to our community to a swift and successful resolution. K9 Appa performed with exceptional courage and professionalism. His actions undoubtedly helped protect our deputies and officers from serious injury or death."

More updates are expected on the dog's condition.