Executive Summary
- Coweta County deputies engaged in a vehicle pursuit following an armed robbery at a Regions Bank in Newnan.
- The suspect crashed near Bullsboro Drive and fled on foot, prompting the deployment of K9 Robbi.
- K9 Robbi was struck by a vehicle during the apprehension but continued to assist in the arrest.
- Veterinarians cleared the K9 of internal injuries, diagnosing only minor abrasions.
A Coweta County Sheriff’s Office K9 was struck by a vehicle on Wednesday afternoon while assisting deputies in the apprehension of an armed robbery suspect in Newnan, Georgia, according to law enforcement officials.
The incident originated shortly after 3:00 p.m. when Newnan Police received reports of an armed robbery at the Regions Bank located on Bullsboro Drive. Coweta County deputies quickly identified the suspect vehicle within city limits. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the driver refused to yield to a traffic stop, initiating a vehicular pursuit.
Authorities stated that the suspect lost control of the vehicle during the chase, crashing near the intersection of Newnan Crossing Bypass and Bullsboro Drive. The individual subsequently exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A K9 handler deployed his partner, Robbi, to assist in the search. During the attempt to take the suspect into custody, Robbi was struck by a vehicle. Despite the impact, law enforcement officials noted that the dog continued the pursuit and successfully aided deputies in arresting the suspect near McIntosh Parkway.
Following the arrest, K9 Robbi was transported to Sweetwater Veterinary Hospital for urgent evaluation. Veterinary staff determined that the dog sustained minor abrasions but suffered no internal injuries. Authorities expect Robbi to make a full recovery.
It is important to note that all individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Operational Safety and K9 Welfare
This incident underscores the unpredictable hazards associated with high-speed pursuits and suspect apprehensions in populated areas. While the use of K9 units is a critical component of tracking fleeing suspects, the convergence of vehicular traffic and foot pursuits presents significant risks to both officers and service animals. The survival and immediate recovery of the K9 unit in this scenario highlights the importance of immediate veterinary protocols established by local law enforcement agencies to mitigate line-of-duty injuries.
