K9 Billy

Billy

K9 Billy was shot and killed while apprehending a fleeing subject. Billy's handler had pursued a suspicious vehicle leaving a closed business, and multiple subjects fled the vehicle after a short pursuit. K9 Billy tackled the driver of the vehicle and was shot multiple times before his handler was able to reach him. Billy was rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic where he succumbed to his wounds.

The suspect, a parolee with several outstanding warrants, was captured a week later and was sentenced to a maximum of 11 years and 8 months in prison. As a result of K9 Billy's death, the California legislature passed a law making the death or injury of a police canine a felony.