Crime & Safety
Police ID Man Who Killed K9 Officer Axe In St. Clair Shores
The killing of the police dog marks the first violent death of a K9 in St. Clair Shores, officials said.
ST. CLAIR SHORES, MI — The Macomb County Sheriff's Office has released the identity of a man who was shot and killed Sunday night by police in St. Clair Shores. The man has been identified as 29-year-old Theoddeus Gray, of Detroit. Police said Gray shot and killed a K-9 officer who was tracking him down outside a banquet hall where a baby shower was being held.
The K-9 officer Axe died in the line of duty, marking the first "violent" killing of a K-9 officer with the St. Clair Shores Police Department, Lt. Jason Allen said Monday morning.
Police said they arrived to Lakeland Manor Banquet Hall around 6:30 p.m. Sunday on the report of an armed man and approximately 70 people inside.Police made contact with the man who reportedly ignored several cues from officers and tried to flee on foot. When Axe was deployed to apprehend the suspect, the man reportedly shot the dog.
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Police returned fire and Gray was pronounced dead that night, police said.
Axe was reportedly rushed to an emergency veterinarian office where he died — a large crowd of police and K-9 handlers showed up at the vet's office to show their support, WXYZ reported. After being pronounced dead he was removed from the hospital draped with an American flag and escorted away in a procession of police cars with flashing lights, according to the report.
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An online fundraisers has been started to equip the department with better safety supplies. The Officer Collin Rose Memorial Foundation said Sunday that they are planning on donating protective vests and first aid bags in memory of Axe. So far they've raised enough for four vests and 12 bags, they said Monday morning.
Axe was reportedly named after U.S. Navy SEAL Matthew Axelson who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. Axe was four years old and served two years on duty.
Sources say he was a good boy.
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