Pima County, AZ – On Friday night, a K9 with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department was killed during a search for an armed suspect. K9 Kenzo was sent to search a commercial yard and became unresponsive.

Deputies entered the fenced area and found Kenzo with stab wounds. The Belgian malinois was rushed to a veterinarian but died from his injuries.

Deputies arrested two suspects. Cody Bartlett, 36, was arrested on charges of armed robbery, aggravated robbery, and killing/harming a work/service animal, and 32-year-old Juan Tacho for armed robbery, aggravated robbery, and aggravated assault.

In a release, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office said:

“We are saddened by the loss of K9 Kenzo and reminded of the dangers our deputies face along with their k9 partners who serve right beside them.”

Rest in peace Kenzo.

Help Put Animal Abusers Away! Sign A Petition To Fight For Animal Justice.