MOUNT AIRY, N.C. — A North Carolina police department is mourning the loss of one of their K9s after he was killed during a recent suspect chase.

Mount Airy Police said K9 Draco and others were going after an armed suspect wanted in connection with murder. That’s when the suspect shot Draco, killing him.

The department shared a photo on social media Wednesday evening saying in part, “Please keep everyone in our local public safety family in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of this heroic officer.”

Cpl. Hutchens started her career with the department in 2019, and was assigned as K9 Draco’s handler in 2022 after going through trainings.

Police did not say how the suspect died. In a short statement on social media, officials said: “The individual is now deceased.”