Columbus, Ga. – A Columbus Police Department (CPD) officer was attacked by his assigned K9 unit while off duty on Wednesday morning, resulting in severe injuries to the officer and the death of the dog, CPD officials said.

According to a statement from the department, the officer required emergency surgery and is now recovering, with officials expressing confidence that he will make a full recovery. The K9, which had recently joined the force and was still actively training with its handler, died during the incident.

WTVM reported that the department’s immediate focus is supporting the officer throughout his recovery. The exact circumstances that led to the attack remain under investigation, and CPD has not released additional details at this time.

Hoodline echoed the same facts, noting that WRBL also reported the K9 had recently joined the department and was still in training with its handler. The outlet added that the Columbus Division of Police emphasized the officer’s recovery and the ongoing investigation as its top priorities.

Both outlets referenced a separate 2018 incident in Columbus, Ohio, where a police officer was maimed by his K9 during training and the dog was later euthanized. While the Ohio case is unrelated, it provides context for the rarity of such events.

City officials have not indicated whether any changes to K9 training protocols will be considered pending the investigation’s findings. The department has pledged to keep the community informed as more information becomes available.

What’s next: CPD investigators will continue to examine the incident, and the department plans to release further updates as the investigation progresses. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to local news outlets for any new developments.

Sources: wtvm.com, hoodline.com