Died – 11/8/16
Handler – Officer Randy Van Dusen
Bodie, famous Sacramento Police K9, dies from illness
Bodie, the Sacramento Police Department canine critically injured in 2012 by a fleeing car thief, died peacefully on Tuesday, the Sacramento Police Canine Association announced. The retired police K9 fell ill suddenly on Friday, suffering a bacterial infection, according to the post. Veterinarians later discovered a tumor on the left side of his face. The 8-year-old dog died Tuesday. Bodie saved Officer Randy Van Dusen’s life May 18, 2012, when the dog was shot trying to apprehend suspect Lucas Jerome Webb, 33, during a car chase and foot pursuit through Land Park. The bullet shattered the dog’s jawbone and two toes, and almost severed his tongue. Webb died in the subsequent exchange of gunfire. Bodie nearly bled to death, receiving 17 units of blood and undergoing five major surgeries at the veterinary hospital. He eventually recovered and sired five puppies after retirement from the department. Blitz was born April 28, 2015, and the only male in the litter. Blitz, joined the Citrus Heights Police Department’s K-9 team in August. Bodie and his offspring were reunited for Blitz’s graduation from K-9 training.