MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- A Minneapolis police dog fell to his death Monday morning while searching for suspects in a possible burglary.
Officers in the first precinct were called to a burglary in progress about 7 a.m. When they arrived, they found evidence the suspect was still in the building of a former car dealership. A canine unit was dispatched to assist in the search.
Police say Chase, who had been on the force since 2007, and his handler, Officer Eric Lukes, were searching the roof of the three-story building when the dog fell from the roof and sustained life-threatening injuries.
Chase was taken to the University of Minnesota for medical treatment, but he was unable to be saved.
"The MPD family is saddened by this loss and by what it means to Officer Lukes and his immediate family," said Chief Dolan. "The service that the canines provide is invaluable to safeguarding the lives of our officers and the loss of a canine partner is very hard on the family of the officer who raise these animals as their own."
Officers at the scene have arrested three suspects in connection with this case.
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