After undergoing two surgeries at a Sandy Springs animal hospital, a DeKalb police K-9 injured in an officer-involved shootout Tuesday afternoon was allowed to go home.
K-9 D’Jango was released from the veterinarian Saturday afternoon, DeKalb police spokeswoman Michaela Vincent said.
The dog, who has been with the department for six years, was shot in the pelvic area as officers exchanged gunfire with a 26-year-old man near Stone Mountain, authorities said.
RELATED: DeKalb police K-9 recovering after deadly shootout in Stone Mountain
The suspect, identified as Akinyia Malik Jerome Gray, was shot and killed by officers after shooting the dog, the GBI said.
Police said Gray had outstanding warrants for possessing a firearm as a felon, obstruction of justice and hit-and-run charges.
MORE: DeKalb K-9 undergoes second surgery after being shot
The incident started when officers spotted Gray walking toward a convenience store at the corner of North Hairston Road and Central Drive, authorities said. When they tried to stop him, he ran into the Hidden Meadows townhome community behind the store.
“As officers approached Gray, he discharged his firearm, striking and critically injuring K9 D’Jango,” GBI spokeswoman Nelly Miles said. “Several officers returned fire, striking Gray. He later died as a result of his injuries.”
A bystander captured the shootout on their cellphone.
Police said D’Jango suffered “significant damage” to his right rear femur, but no major organs were injured.
The dog was treated at Blue Pearl Veterinary Hospital in Sandy Springs, where the staff was already familiar with D’Jango since they successfully treated him for cancer several years ago, Vincent said.
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