Phoenix Police Dog Killed After High-Speed Chase, 2 Men Arrested

PHOENIX, AZ – A police dog who was served with the Phoenix Police Department since last year, was killed during an incident that included a high-speed chase through downtown. The two suspects who were being chased have both been arrested.

Phoenix Police St. Jonathan Howard says that Bane ≠ a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois – was "mortally wounded" during the incident.

"Bane, along with all our other officers, risked their own safety to put an end to today’s violent situation," Councilman Michael Nowakowski said. "I am saddened by the news, and my heartfelt condolences go out to Bane’s handler, a 14-year veteran officer, and the rest of the Phoenix Police Department. (Get Phoenix Patch's daily newsletter and real-time news alerts. Or, find your local Patch here and subscribe).

Police say that the incident started just after 11 on Tuesday morning when officers from the department's auto theft task force saw the suspects in a stolen vehicle white SUV by Broadway and 51st Avenue.

Seeing police approaching, the driver fled, starting a chase that would last for nearly one hour and wind through downtown.

Police were able to use stop sticks around Bethany Home Road and 27th Avenue, puncturing one of the tires on the vehicle. The driver continued about a block, crashing to a stop by a home about a block away.

The driver fled and then carjacked another car by Bethany Home Road and 43rd Avenue and eventually stole a third car from inside a nearby parking garage. A woman who had also been in the SUV also tried to flee but promptly arrested without incident.

The man was eventually found hiding in the attic of a nearby home. He has since been hospitalized with injuries related to the crash. Police say that he was not shot.

When police determined where the man was hiding, they sent Bane in to confront him. They have not elaborated on how he died.

Helicopters from the local stations following the chase from the air caused the police to issue requests that they back off.

"The increased media presence and helicopters appear to be increasing the driver’s reckless driving," Sgt. Jonathan Howard said.

"Please back off and allow the officers to more safely bring this situation to a conclusion."

He had to make that request twice.

After the incident, Phoenix police asked news stations if they could provide footage of the chase and help identify where the man fled.

Councilman Sal DiCiccio said that the incident is an example of why the city needs to do a better job of funding the police department.

"Even with our current hiring, we will be over 150 officers short of where we were before the recession, and a thousand officers short of where we need to be now with our continued population growth," he said.

"This has gone on too long and the people of Phoenix deserve to know their police have the resources they need to keep them safe."

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This story will be updated as information becomes available.

Image via Shutterstock.