RCMP police dog injured tracking armed robbery suspect in Alberta

A police dog with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Alberta suffered serious injuries while assisting in the pursuit of an armed robbery suspect. The canine, named Pascal, was injured earlier this week in High River.

Officers responded to reports of an armed robbery at a local business around 10:20 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16. The suspect, described as wearing a mask and brandishing a firearm, took money from the cash register before fleeing the scene on a bicycle. The RCMP, along with specialized units including the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Police Dog Services (PDS), established a perimeter to track the individual.

During the tracking operation, Pascal and his handler, Cpl. Paul Cook, were reportedly navigating terrain when the dog sustained serious injuries while attempting to jump over a fence. Cpl. Cook immediately transported Pascal to a veterinarian in Calgary for treatment.

Pascal has since been released from veterinary care and is now recovering at his handler's home. Social media posts featuring photos of the injured dog have garnered widespread well-wishes from the public. The National Police Federation also shared images of Pascal and Cpl. Cook, highlighting the bond between the handler and his canine partner.

The RCMP issued a statement emphasizing the indispensable nature of police dogs, noting their exceptional abilities in keeping communities safe, assisting officers in high-risk situations, and playing a critical role in operational success. The force extended its thoughts and prayers to Cpl. Cook and Pascal, wishing the dog a speedy recovery. Authorities have not yet provided an update on whether the suspect has been apprehended. Investigators are appealing to the public for any information regarding the crime.

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police dogs are indispensable members of our policing teams. Their exceptional abilities help keep communities safe, assist officers in high-risk situations, and play a critical role in operational success. Our thought and prayers are with Cpl. Cook and Pascal, and we wish for a speedy recovery.