Arizona K-9 Stabbed to Death by Armed Robber

An Arizona K-9 was stabbed to death while working an armed robbery case. Authorities charged a man involved in the robbery with killing the police dog.

Armed robber fatally stabbed K-9

According to the New York Post, deputies from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department were searching for suspects in an armed robbery case. On Friday around 8 p.m., they saw a man enter a commercial yard with a fence. So, they deployed their K-9, Kenzo. But the police dog didn’t come back.

The deputies went in to find the dog. They discovered the K-9 next to one of the suspects. The police dog had life-threatening injuries “consistent with a stabbing,” according to the sheriff’s office. Though the deputies rushed Kenzo to the vet, he did not survive. Veterinary staff will perform a necropsy.

“We are saddened by the loss of K9 Kenzo and reminded of the dangers our deputies face along with their K9 partners who serve right beside them,” the department said in a statement.

Authorities arrested the suspects in this case: 36-year-old Cody D. Bartlett and 32-year-old Juan Tacho. Both face charges of armed robbery and aggravated robbery. Additionally, Bartlett faces charges of killing or harming a work/service animal.

K-9 foundation remembers Kenzo

The Georgia Police K9 Foundation memorialized Kenzo on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

“Rest in Peace K9 Kenzo,” the post, which also featured a photo of the police dog, said. “Heartbreaking news out of Pima, Arizona. K9 Kenzo was killed (stabbed) during the attempt of locating two suspects. May he rest in peace. Thank you for your service Kenzo. Our thoughts and prayers with all involved.”

X users shared an outpouring of support for the pup.

“My heart is broken,” one commenter wrote. “Thank you for your service. Sending my sympathy and love. Rest in peace sweet Kenzo – you will never be forgotten.”

Another wrote, “Rest peacefully four pawed hero, your life mattered.”