Deputy Eduardo Choate and K9 Joker
A Bradley County K9 was shot multiple times by burglary suspects in Cleveland, Tn., early Wednesday morning. Authorities said the dog Joker underwent surgery for life-threatening injuries.
Cleveland Police said at noon "Joker is currently out of surgery and in semi-stable condition. He will continued to be monitored over the next 24 crucial hours."
His handler, Deputy Eduardo Choate, was unharmed during the incident.
Around 2 a.m., the Cleveland Police Department responded to an auto burglary in progress at an apartment complex on Harrison Pike. Upon their arrival, units made entry on both sides of the apartment complex and observed a white Jeep Gladiator fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed.
The vehicle proceeded onto Georgetown Road, then headed northbound towards I-75. Bradley County Sheriff deputies quickly made contact with the vehicle around the 25 mile marker. It was confirmed that the vehicle was stolen out of Hamilton County and units attempted to conduct a vehicle stop.
The suspects fled on foot into the woods around Toyota of Cleveland at Exit 20. K9 Joker was deployed by his handler, Deputy Choate. Upon making contact with the suspects, K9 Joker was shot multiple times. The K9 was immediately taken to an emergency animal hospital in Chattanooga, where he underwent surgery due to his life-threatening injuries.
Sheriff Steve Lawson activated the BCSO SWAT Team and other off duty officers to set up a perimeter in attempt to keep the suspects within a certain area until they were apprehended. During this time, police were notified that a 2009 4-door IS250 blue Silver Lexus with no tag and a loud muffler had been stolen from the Withrow Road area and headed southbound towards Chattanooga.
A witness said the vehicle was last seen occupied by at least four black males and they are considered to be armed and dangerous.
The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office said it "would like to extend our prayers to K9 Joker and BCSO Deputy Eduardo Choate. We appreciate the immediate response and wonderful collaboration between the Cleveland Police Department, Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and BCSO’s SWAT Team. The Chattanooga Police Department is also assisting in the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and further information will be provided when it becomes available. Thank you for your patience and support at this time."
Cleveland Police said, "Please keep K9 handler Deputy Eduardo Choate in your prayers."