Kozmo is a German Shepherd that is a member of the Mesquite Police Department. He has worked diligently for them for the past five years. With the highly-trained dog’s help, the department has caught numerous suspects. His fellow officers credit him for being instrumental in bringing down the crime rate in their city.
In fact, Kozmo is so effective that sometimes he assists other police departments. But his gallant efforts to catch criminals ended when a 16-year-old suspect beat him to death.
In the line of duty
In April 2021, the Mesquite Police Department was called to assist the Balch Springs Police Department in pursuing three young men who were robbery suspects. The pursuit started with a car chase, but it ended when spike strips were laid on the road, and the suspects’ vehicle was disabled. The three men continued their escape and ran on foot.
At first, a helicopter was used to track down the robbers. But because they went into the woods, their sight was blocked by the trees. The officers, determined to track down the three men, followed inside the forest, with Kozmo leading the way. Eventually, all suspects were arrested, but the brave dog never returned to them.
The last chase
Kozmo’s handler, along with several officers, scoured the woods to look for the dog. They were stunned to find the dog lifeless. They brought him to an animal hospital, and there they discovered that he was beaten to death.
An investigation later on showed that one of the suspects, a teenager, used a blunt object and repeatedly hit the K9 officer. Aside from the robbery charges, the perpetrator was given an additional charge for interference with a police service animal, a second-degree felony.
The officers of the Mesquite Police Department were crushed by the loss of their beloved K9 officer, especially Kozmo’s handler. They gave him a very emotional farewell ceremony attended by all the officers and k9 members. He will undoubtedly be missed.
Source: Mesquite Police Department – Texas via Facebook
