Man wanted in 2014 shooting and police K-9 are killed by Long Beach officer

An assault suspect and a police dog were fatally shot by police Tuesday morning as Long Beach officers sought to capture a man allegedly involved in a 2014 shooting, authorities said.

The 4-year-old Belgian Malinois named Credo was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he later died, according to the Long Beach Police Department.

The man was taken to a hospital and was pronounced dead later Tuesday, according to a police spokeswoman.

“It’s with heartfelt sadness that we announce our K-9 Credo succumbed to his injuries,” the department tweeted.

Members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force had been searching for the man, who was wanted in connection with a shooting that injured multiple people in December 2014, according to a statement released by Long Beach police.

The task force saw the man near 16th Street and Temple Avenue, but he ran to a friend’s apartment in the 2800 block of East 15th Street.

Police set up a perimeter around the apartment complex and closed traffic to surrounding streets.

At some point, the man left the apartment but did not obey orders issued by officers, according to the police statement. He allegedly charged toward officers, and to stop him, police deployed the dog, Credo.

The man brandished a knife and continued toward officers, according to police. One officer opened fire, striking the man and Credo.

No officers were injured during the shooting. A serrated knife with a black handle was found at the scene.

According to the Police Department’s website, Credo was partnered with Officer Mike Parcells for two years. The police dog was trained to respond to any situation but worked in patrol and narcotics.

Times staff writer James Queally contributed to this report.

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UPDATES:

10:34 p.m.: This story was updated throughout with additional details from police.

3:21 p.m.: This story was updated to reflect the fact that the suspect had died.

This story first published at 1:20 p.m.