A somber atmosphere envelops the Pima County Sheriff’s Department following the tragic passing of one of their loyal K-9 officers.
The K-9, named Kenzo, sustained severe injuries while assisting in the search for an armed robbery suspect on a fateful Friday evening
The incident unfolded at approximately 8 p.m. when deputies hailing from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department Rincon District and K9 Unit were on a mission to apprehend an individual associated with an armed robbery suspect case. According to authorities, the armed robbery suspect had been spotted entering a secured yard. To facilitate the apprehension, deputies decided to deploy their trusted K-9 partner, Kenzo. Regrettably, during the operation, K-9 Kenzo inexplicably ceased responding to his handler’s commands, causing concern among the law enforcement team.
In response, deputies swiftly entered the yard, locating and taking the armed robbery suspect into custody. Tragically, they also discovered K-9 Kenzo, severely injured and in a life-threatening condition. The injured K-9 was promptly rushed to a veterinary hospital, where despite all efforts, he succumbed to his grievous injuries. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has reported that K-9 Kenzo’s injuries were indicative of stab wounds, and an autopsy is slated to be conducted to provide further insights into the circumstances.
After the incident, detectives were dispatched to the scene to initiate a comprehensive inquiry and secure pertinent evidence
Authorities have confirmed the successful arrest of all armed robbery suspects connected to the armed robbery case, thereby eliminating any immediate threat to public safety. Notably, the investigative efforts led to the apprehension of a 32-year-old individual identified as Juan Tacho. Tacho now faces a slew of charges, including armed robbery, aggravated robbery, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Furthermore, a 35-year-old named Slade Bartlett was also taken into custody, with charges that encompass armed robbery, aggravated robbery, and the intentional harm or killing of a work or service animal. Tacho and Bartlett have been formally booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Complex.
Authorities have refrained from disclosing the nature of the connection between the two armed robbery suspects or the precise identity of the individual they were seeking in the yard during the operation. As the investigation unfolds, these details may come to light. In response to the tragic turn of events, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released a statement expressing their sorrow over the loss of K-9 Kenzo and underscoring the constant dangers faced by their deputies and their dedicated K-9 partners who stand in steadfast service alongside them.
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