K-9 Eli Dies Suddenly While Tracking A Suspect

SNELLVILLE, GA -- Gwinnett County Police suddenly lost one of their beloved police K-9s Thursday while chasing a suspect fleeing from police.

Snellville Police had a suspect flee from them in the area of North Crestview Drive and Grayson Parkway in Grayson and ultimately requested the assistance of the GCPD K-9 unit to track the suspect. K-9 Eli and his handler, Officer Bonanno, responded to assist. Approximately 30 minutes into tracking the suspect, K-9 Eli began to display signs of distress believed to be related to heat, police said. He was removed from the scene and taken to a local veterinarian for evaluation and treatment.

Doctors treated K-9 Eli but he did not recover. He passed away shortly before 5 p.m.

K-9 Eli was nine years old and has served the citizens of Gwinnett County for eight years.

"We mourn the loss of this courageous K-9 and will provide more details at a later time," Police said in an email to Patch. "Please keep Officer Bonanno and his family in your thoughts."