Arlington PD K-9 overcome by heat during suspect search dies

ARLINGTON, TX (KTRK) -- Arlington Police Department is mourning the loss of its K-9 partner, which died after a pursuit of a suspect.

Mojo, a Belgian Malinois, was "overcome by the heat" while helping serve a felony warrant on Tuesday.

The dog and his handler, Vince Ramsour, were dispatched to aid in the search of the fugitive, who had fled from officers.

Police say the suspect led authorities on a vehicle chase and then bailed from his car and into a wooded area. At about 10 a.m., the K9 unit was called in to assist officers in their foot search.

A little over an hour later, Mojo appeared overheated and Ramsour requested immediate transport to the hospital.

Police tweeted out as officers rushed to get Mojo medical treatment.

Mojo was taken to an animal hospital by squad car, where he died. His handler stayed by his side.

"Today, we experienced a significant loss to our APD team. Mojo was an exceptional K-9 partner, friend and served the citizens of Arlington honorably," said Assistant Police Chief Kevin Kolbye.

Mojo joined the department when he was 2 years old in 2010. He came to Arlington from Holland in the Netherlands. Along with his handler, he assisted officers in searching for violent offenders, narcotics and evidence.

The subject of the pursuit was apprehended Tuesday afternoon.