Maple Ridge police dog killed during home invasion

Members of the RCMP are mourning the loss of a police service dog, who gave his life trying to apprehend a home invasion suspect Tuesday night. At approximately 11:40 p.m. Tuesday July 12, 2011, members of Ridge Meadows RCMP along with the RCMP Lower Mainland District’s Police Service Dog ‘Bear’, and his handler, attended a report of a home invasion that was in progress in the 22000 block of the Lougheed Highway. It is believed three males forced their way inside the residence, but when the suspects observed the police members, they fled. Police attempted to apprehend the suspects, but they continued to flee on foot. The police dog, and his handler, were tracking one of the suspects, when they entered onto the road, where the dog was struck and killed by a westbound vehicle. Another officer continued to chase the suspect on foot, apprehending the young offender a short time later.

Corporal Alanna Dunlop said, “We are all saddened with the tragic loss of one of our police service dogs. All of our dogs provide us with a key component in apprehending criminals. They also assist us in recovering lost persons, finding key evidence, and calming violent people down. They all add so much to the public’s safety. The handler is quite distraught, and is getting the support he needs at this time. Police Service Dog Barry – who was called ‘Bear’ – was born in March of 2009, and has been on active duty since completing his training in 2010. We have lost one of our own, and we owe this dedicated police dog our deepest respect, and gratitude. He gave it his all, and sacrificed his life trying to do his job for what is right.”

Staff Sergeant Ron Field, head of the RCMP Lower Mainland District Police Dog Services said, “Losing two members of our team in two days is devastating – it’s not something one can prepare for. Our handlers are all feeling the loss and out thoughts are with the two officers who’ve lost their partners.”

Ridge Meadows RCMP have a 17 year old in custody while the other suspects remain at large. Ridge Meadows RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit is heading up this investigation. RCMP believe, at this point, that drugs were a motivating factor for this home invasion. Ridge Meadows RCMP’s Traffic Services are investigating the crash that killed the police dog.