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Posted on Mon, Nov. 16, 2009


Wounded K-9 develops pneumonia

By Inquirer Staff

A Delaware police dog wounded by a fleeing suspect and hailed as a hero last week has developed pneumonia, his doctor reported today.

Diablo, a year-and-a-half old Belgian Malinois, remains in the Intensive Care Unit at the University of Pennsylvania's Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, but is up and walking, surgeon Elaine Holmes said in a statement.

There was no word on the dog's prognosis.

Diablo was shot about 12:40 a.m. Friday at a Wilmington apartment complex where police had been called to investigate a domestic altercation.

Eric Weit, 34, had allegedly threatened to kill his estranged girlfriend and said if police were called it would "turn into a shootout," said Col. Trinidad Navarro, spokesman for the New Castle County police.

Officers searched the complex and found Weit's car. A shot rang out from behind one of the apartment buildings and Diablo and his handler went to investigate, Navarro said.

In minutes, Diablo caught scent of the man in a wooded area covered with thick brush and went after him.

"That's when the suspect fired several rounds letting us pinpoint his location," Navarro said. A bullet ripped through Diablo's left shoulder. Another shattered the K-9's left leg.

Despite his injuries, Diablo hung on to the man and released him only when his handler called out.

When police moved in, Weit allegedly pointed his handgun at them.

"There was a firefight," Navarro said. Officers shot Weis multiple times in the upper and lower torso.

Diablo limped back to his handler and collapsed at his feet. The handler scooped him up and rushed him to a local animal hospital, Navarro said.

Weit, of Wilmington, was taken into custody and transported to Christiana Hospital where he was treated for nonlife threatening gunshot wounds, Navarro said.


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Comments   
Posted 05:15 PM, 11/11/2009
Dutch of N
Awesome dog. Speedy recovery.
Posted 05:27 PM, 11/11/2009
jacksplat
Love that dog. Officers need more target practice.
Posted 05:27 PM, 11/11/2009
jacksplat
Love that dog. Officers need more target practice.
Posted 05:28 PM, 11/11/2009
Phil
Diablo IS a hero and SHOULD have been accompanied to the hospital by a police escort. I hope Diablo recovers and can continue as a police dog, but if not, that he lives to a ripe old age and enjoys a well-earned retirement. And I hope the dirtbag who shot Diablo is punished to the same extent as if he had shot a human officer.
Posted 05:32 PM, 11/11/2009
lukebonbon
Best wishes Officer Diablo!
Posted 05:43 PM, 11/11/2009
nutterbutter
God be with you Diablo. Speedy recovery
Posted 06:18 PM, 11/11/2009
nowyouknow
I loved that Diablo never let go of that dirtbag despite being severely injured.
Posted 06:27 PM, 11/11/2009
catnapper
Sic balls Diablo!Sic balls!
Posted 06:31 PM, 11/11/2009
simemom
God speed for a quick recovery for Diablo.
Posted 06:34 PM, 11/11/2009
Tiller
These dogs are worth their weight in gold. Every officer on patrol should have one if the want one. Prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery. Should have flown him up in Trooper 4 though. Best wishes to the handler as well since I'm sure they were close. Losing a K-9 partner might be harder then losing a human partner...these handlers spend 24 hrs a day with their K-9's. Most police today in DE ride solo with the exception of some Wilmington officers. Agree with jacksplat.. shame the subject made it... probably won't pay his hospital bill either.
Posted 06:34 PM, 11/11/2009
spd017
I wonder if the New Castle Co. PD will allow me to cook Diablo a 16oz steak? He certainly earned it!!!
Posted 06:35 PM, 11/11/2009
ncatina
Here's what the breed looks like. They resemble German Sheperds. http://www.breederretriever.com/photopost/data/543/belgian_malinois2.jpg
Posted 06:40 PM, 11/11/2009
Ilmare
Is the public allowed to send him "Get Well Soon" cards and dog treats? I know a lovely K-9 bakery in Chestnut Hill that would have plenty of things worthy of such a good dog.
Posted 07:10 PM, 11/11/2009
Snakes
awww what a trooper. hope the poor guy makes a full recovery.
Posted 07:10 PM, 11/11/2009
Snakes
awww what a trooper. hope the poor guy makes a full recovery.
15 comments
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