Officer Keith Larson of the Plymouth Police Department in Plymouth, MA shot and killed his K-9 police dog Nico. Larson claims Nico bit him and would not let go.
On December 29, 2020 officers were dispatched to a 911 call where the suspect had fled the scene. Larson arrived at the location and was preparing Nico to track the suspect, but Nico allegedly bit Larson.
Police say that Larson tried several times to disengage Nico, but Nico kept his teeth into the skin of Larson. Police say that Larson was forced to shoot Nico with his department issued duty weapon, Boston 25 News reports.
Nico was hit several times and died at the scene. Larson was transported to the hospital by medics to be treated for bite wounds on his hands. Nico was a German Shepard. Larson is a 17-year veteran of the police force and has been assigned to the K-9 unit since 2017.
Police say that Nico bit Larson in April of 2020 also. Larson and Nico took additional courses and training, having to be recertified in July 2020.
Plymouth Police Chief Michael Botieri gave a briefing at police headquarters saying:
“It happened in less than 30-45 seconds, which is a long time that he had to go through that. I’m sure you realize it is difficult too for a K-9 officer to dispatch their own dog like that.”
