Long Beach police K-9 killed during assault suspect investigation

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- A police K-9 was killed in the line of duty during an investigation surrounding an assault suspect in Long Beach on Tuesday.

The incident began around 9 a.m. as members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force made contact with a suspect near East 16th Street and Temple Avenue. Officials said the man was wanted in connection with a 2014 shooting

Authorities said the suspect ran into an apartment building in the 2800 block of East 15th Street and officers set up a perimeter around the building.

Long Beach police and SWAT responded to the scene to provide aid to the U.S. Marshals.

Nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution as the standoff ensued.

Police said the suspect finally exited the building and aggressively charged at officers.

Authorities fired rubber bullets at the suspect and released a Long Beach police K-9 named Credo.

Credo attempted to stop the suspect, according to police, but the suspect continued charging forward toward the officers.

Officials said as Credo, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, fought with the suspect, the man pulled out a knife and continued to advance toward the officers.

An officer fired his weapon, hitting both the suspect and Credo, officials stated.

Credo was rushed to Signal Hill Animal Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The suspect was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

"These K-9s are not just dogs. They are police officers. That's going to weigh heavily on the department," Deputy Chief Richard Conant with Long Beach Police Department said at an afternoon press conference.

Long Beach police said Credo served the department for two years alongside his handler, Officer Mike Parcells.

Credo worked with the patrol and narcotics department and was involved in more than 30 apprehensions during his years of service, according to Long Beach police.

A line of officers stood at attention in front of the Signal Hill Animal Hospital to pay their respects to Credo.

Credo was carried out of the animal hospital draped in an American flag with Parcells close behind.

Parcells also lost a K-9 partner in the line of duty back in 2005, according to authorities.

The Los Angeles County Coroner, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and the Long Beach Police Department were investigating the deadly shooting.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, has video or information, was encouraged to call the Long Beach Police Department Homicide Detail at (562) 570-7244.