DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News ) – Dallas Police are crediting a member of their canine unit for saving the life of one of their officers during a manhunt in a Pleasant Grove neighborhood last Friday.
Senior Corporal Scott Jay and his K-9 partner “Figor” were shot during a manhunt for 20-year-old Brian Casillas, who’s accused of shooting his mom and sister after they complained about loud music.
Chief Eddie Garcia said 20-year-old Brian Casillas opened fire on Jay and Figor after they found him on a nearby bridge in the area of 2900 Cypress Avenue.
Casillas shot Figor through his chest and then shot at Jay, wounding him in the chest and leg, Garcia said.
He played body camera video from the chaotic scene.
“Hear as the suspect fires on him and hear as the dog cries out as he’s shot in the chest. It is then that you will see the tenacity and bravery and true heart of these beloved animals. After the exchange in gunfire, Senior Corporal Jay pull himself and the dog from the creek bed,” he said.
Garcia said even after being shot, Figor continued to attempt to take Casillas into custody.
“The work of this dog this night was nothing short of heroic,” Garcia said at a news conference Monday. “Shot, injured, Figor goes back to do his job and take the man into custody.”
After the shots are fired, you can hear Corporal Jay plead with responding officers to take care of Figor. Garcia said its a testament to how important the K-9 unit is to the department.
“Our canines are invaluable members of this police department. Figor’s actions are heroic and he helped saved his partners life. He did everything he was trained to do and exceeded all expectations as a canine partner and as a member of the Dallas Police Department,” he said.
Casillas died at the scene after a shootout with Corporal Jay. Corporal Jay and Figor were taken for treatment and now in recovery.
The duo have been partnered together for almost a year. Casillas’ two shooting victims survived their injuries.
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