Jethro the police dog has died after taking three bullets while trying to stop an early-morning burglary at a grocery store in Canton, Ohio.
Canton Police officer Ryan Davis and Jethro responded to a burglary alarm at Fisher Foods early Saturday and the dog was shot when it confronted the suspect, authorities told the
Canton Repository.
The dog suffered brain swelling from one of the bullets which struck the bridge of its muzzle, said
WKYC-TV.
Kelonte Demorious Barefield, 22, was shot in the leg by police at the scene and remained in a hospital on Monday, according to
WJW-TV.
Barefield was been charged with aggravated burglary, assaulting or harassing a police dog, felonious assault on a peace officer, having weapons under disability and shooting on or near a prohibited area, said the TV station.
"There's not a doubt in my mind that that dog saved officers' lives," said Canton Police Chief Bruce Lawver.
The Police K-9 Association said Jethro had trouble resting Saturday night and had to be sedated. The dog died on Sunday
Draped in an American flag, Jethro was saluted by a line of officers as he was carried out of the veterinary clinic Sunday.
Services for Jethro will be held at noon Thursday at the Canton Memorial Civic Center. Thursday would have been Jethro's birthday.
The Canton Police Department made an announcement on its Facebook page.
Many on social media paid their respects to Jethro.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.