A St. Paul Police Department K-9 was killed in the line of duty Tuesday after being stabbed during a warrant execution.
Police descended on a home located at 700 Aurora Avenue shortly after 1 p.m. on Tuesday while seeking a man wanted on a criminal sexual conduct warrant. When they entered, police said the man fatally stabbed the police dog as it entered the basement.
Officers shot and killed the suspect.
A woman who identified herself as the man's sister told FOX 9 News police were looking for Alden Anderson, but she said there was no need for him to be shot.
"They could have shot him in the foot if they had to shoot him, or use a Taser or mace," Lana Taylor said. "They didn't have to kill him."
Taylor said police came in with shields and guns drawn and asked where Anderson was. Once they learned he was in the basement, the police K-9 and his handler were the first to head downstairs with backup close behind.
"They didn't tell us anything," she said.
Taylor told FOX 9 News her brother was visiting from St. Louis when he was killed.
On Tuesday night, police identified the deceased dog as Kody, a seven-year veteran of the department. Kody is the fifth St. Paul police K-9 to be killed in the line of duty.
Kody's handler, Officer David Longbehn, is the same officer who was injured in the hunt for Maplewood Sgt. Joe Bergeron's killer.
St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman issued the following statement regarding the death of Kody and the effect of his loss:
"My heart goes out to Officer Longbehn and his family as they cope with the loss of Kody. Kody was Officer Longbehn's eyes and ears on the front line and served Dave, the Saint Paul Police Department, and our city with honor for seven years. K-9 dogs take on whatever task is asked of them, oftentimes amidst the worst of circumstances. I thank him for his sacrifice for the city, I am thankful for the safety of Officer Longbehn and other officers involved in this incident, and I will remember Kody fondly as a good partner and companion for Officer Longbehn and the City of Saint Paul."
U.S. Marshals, along with officers of the St. Paul Police Department and Ramsey County sheriff's office, responded to Tuesday's incident.
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