Video: Fallen Hero K-9 Eli Memorialized

SNELLVILLE, GA -- Gwinnett County Police suddenly lost one of their beloved police K-9s Thursday while chasing a suspect fleeing from police.

The K9 Unit was asked to assist the Snellville Police Department and the DeKalb County Police Department in the apprehension of a suspect. The suspect had fled on foot in the area of North Crestview Drive and Grayson Parkway.

K9 Eli was in the area actively searching for the suspect along with his handler, Officer Matthew Bonanno. Approximately 30 minutes later, the search was called off. As K9 Eli and the officers were walking back to their patrol vehicles, Eli fell to the ground and began acting abnormally.

SEE ALSO: K-9 Eli Dies Suddenly While Tracking A Suspect

In an effort to cool him down, officers covered his body with water they had on hand. K9 Eli was conscious as they loaded him into the patrol vehicle. Officer Bonanno transported him to a local animal hospital for emergency treatment.

During treatment at the animal hospital, K9 Eli stopped breathing. The veterinarian and staff performed CPR on Eli for about 30 minutes before he ultimately passed away.

The body of K9 Eli is currently at the University of Georgia undergoing a necropsy. The results of the necropsy will help identify his cause of his death. Once those results are learned, this Media Release will be updated.

K9 Eli was assigned to the K9 Unit. The K9 Unit currently consists of 10 dual-purpose dogs. Four additional canines are assigned to the Parcel Interdiction Unit and the Hazardous Devices Unit.

"Our thoughts are with Officer Bonanno, his family, and the K9 Unit as they grieve the loss of this great animal," Gwinnett Police said in a statement.