Texas: Bond between handler, K-9 officer emotionally 'very close'

TEXAS -- A Smith County deputy K-9 constable was fatally shot Tuesday afternoon.

Law enforcement officers said Ogar was a part of Smith County Constable Kenneth Bibby's team, and his handler was Deputy Constable Kevin Petty. Ogar was awarded his bullet and stab protective vest in Oct. 2015 by the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

 

"The K-9 is an officer within our department," said Bibby.

"That dog would and will protect [his] handler at all times," Bibby said. "In this circumstance, he was protecting his handler."

According to the sheriff's office, Ogar was shot Tuesday when his handler, Deputy Constable Kevin Petty, attempted a traffic stop near Farm-to-Market 849 at Interstate 20 West.

 

When the vehicle pulled over, a male, later identified as Michael Paul Koch, 36, fled into the woods. Petty opened the door for the K-9 officer to exit the vehicle, and the dog chased the Koch into the woods.

A few minutes later, Petty heard shots from the woods. He found the dog dead and there was no sign of the suspect. Backup officers then arrived at the scene and began searching for Koch.

Two suspects are in custody in connection with the shooting. The sheriff's department is now searching for a third suspect, Michael Paul Koch, 36, who fled into the woods. That is where he allegedly was pursued by Ogar, and in turn, shot him.

 

Police say Koch is considered armed and dangerous and is from the Grand Saline area. You're urged to call 911 immediately if you know where Koch is located.

He added that the department is thankful for the tips they have received from area residents and they are pursuing leads based on those tips. The constable also expressed his thanks to the multiple agencies who have offered assistance, including the Texas Department of Wildlife.

Late Tuesday afternoon, Bibby posted a photo on Facebook of Ogar with a caption that said he was killed in the line of duty.

"The bond between the handler and the dog is very close and it's very touching," said Bibby. "It's very sad for us today and, emotionally, it is something we have to handle in law enforcement."

(KLTV - Jan 19, 2016)