Anderson PD mourning loss of K-9

ANDERSON, Ind. (WISH) - Members of the Anderson Police Department are mourning the loss of a K-9.

Officers say "Magnum" was tracking down a man wanted for robbing a bank Saturday morning when he was shot.

Detective Joel Sandefur says Magnum’s wounds were so severe they had to put him down.

This is the second time in three weeks that an Anderson police dog has been shot. At the end of July another dog was killed during a standoff. He was the first Anderson Police dog to die in the line of duty.

“These dogs range anywhere from $10,000 to $12,000 in replacement cost,” Sandefur said, adding a philanthropic organization was willing to help cover the cost of replacing the dog killed in July. “Now this adds a whole new dimension with the passing of Magnum.”

Police Chief Larry Crenshaw said Magnum did what he was trained to do.

"Magnum saved our officers' lives," Crenshaw said.

The recent loss has sliced the K-9 department in half.

Chief Crenshaw says Magnum's handler, Officer Matt Jarret, is on paid administrative leave while he mourns the loss of his dog.

The department is reviewing its procedures and has considered bulletproof vests for the K-9 unit; however, a vest wouldn't have saved Magnums life. He was shot in the head.

A public ceremony is being planned for both dogs.

Meanwhile, further investigation revealed Kilo, who was shot July 26, died from gunshot wounds not consistent with those fired by Anderson officers.

The man accused of shooting Magnum, Joseph Thomas, is being held in the Madison County jail. He could face additional charges of criminal recklessness for pointing a fire arm at officers.