According to the police department, between 10 p.m. Friday to 3 p.m. Saturday, someone entered K-9 Officer Sgt. Kerri Andrews' yard, and removed the lock on the security pen where K-9 dog "Bak" was kept.
Police said Bak was either released into the neighborhood or taken, and was found dead Saturday night at Interstate 35 and Indian Hills Road.
An officer spotted Bak's body near the highway on his way back from the Cleveland County jail. Now investigators are trying to piece together what happened.
"We don't know if he was just released from the pen, and he wandered off, or if somebody actually removed him from the pen," Lt. Ted Belling said.
Police said attacks on K-9 units like Bak are all too common because of their role in taking down criminals.
"Unfortunately, a lot of people have resentment to the K-9's and it is not unusual for something like this to happen or for K-9's to be injured by people or poisoned by them," Lt. Belling said.
Still, it's a sad time for the Moore Police Department. Bak was considered one of their own.
"They become part of our family. It's sad when something like this happens," Belling said.
And Bak's loss will impact the force.
Police said the lock on Bak’s security pen was removed between 10 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday.
Lt. Ted Belling said it is unclear how Bak died, but a veterinarian will determine the cause of death.
If suspects are found after an initial investigation, Belling said, the department will decide if criminal charges will be filed. Causing the death of a police dog is a felony.
Bak will be missed by the department, Belling said, especially by his handler, Andrews.
“The department is saddened by the loss of Bak. He has been faithfully serving the department for three years,” he said.
Any tips related to Bak’s disappearance and death can be reported to the department at 793-5171.
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