A K9 officer was shot Wednesday, Feb. 21, during an attempted stop and arrest in DeSoto County.

Deputies with the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department were involved in a vehicle pursuit when they initiated a pit maneuver to stop the suspect’s vehicle. When the vehicle came to a stop, a K9 was released. The subject fired a weapon at the K9, striking the dog. Deputies then discharged their weapons, striking the subject.

The subject suffered fatal injuries. The K9 received serious injuries and is being treated at a local veterinary hospital. The deputies were not injured.

This information is preliminary and subject to change. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is assessing this critical incident and gathering evidence. Upon completion of the investigation, MBI agents will share their findings with the Attorney General’s Office.