Bradley County Sheriff K-9 Shot By Auto Burglary Suspects

Updated, 1:20pm – Cleveland Police were called to reports of people breaking into cars at an apartment complex. When a police officer arrived at the apartments, he was almost run over by the suspects who then fled down I-75.

Bradley County Sheriff’s Deputies found the suspects behind the Toyota car dealership. They fled on foot in the woods.

Deputy Eduardo Choate released his K9 after the suspects. The suspects then shot the K9 – whose name is Joker – multiple times.

The dog spent the morning in surgery and is now out of the hospital. Joker’s condition is stable but the next 24 hours are crucial for his recovery.

Cleveland Police say the four suspects stole a car nearby that had the keys inside and a firearm. They were last seen headed south on I-75 towards Chattanooga in a dark grey Lexus IS 250.

Cleveland, TN (WDEF) – Bradley County Sheriff’s K9 “Joker” is fighting for his life after being shot multiple times early Wednesday morning. The shooting occurred when officers encountered burglary suspects at Toyota of Cleveland car dealership.

This is a developing story.