Police Dog Killed in the Line of Duty

(VANCOUVER, Wash.) - A report of a possible mental subject in the area of 16415 NE 137th Avenue drew the response of Clark County deputies this afternoon just before 2:00 PM.

According to the caller, a subject by the name of Ronald Chenette was going to be walking down the railroad tracks from 137th Avenue to the Brush Prairie Market on Caples Road. Police say the caller continued to say Ronald was armed with a .357 magnum handgun and had made statement that he wanted to "kill a cop."

A computer check of Ronald Chenette revealed he had an extensive criminal history including a 1991 conviction for second-degree Murder. Police say he also had several misdemeanor warrants for his arrest and was also a suspect in a stalking case.

Sgt. Tim Bieber with the Clark County Sheriff's Office says deputies arrived in the area the checked the Brush Prairie Market and confirmed the suspect had not arrived.

"A short time later he was seen running along the railroad tracks, then fleeing into the heavy brush and trees adjacent to the tracks. Patrol units on-scene established a perimeter then called for the SW Washington Regional SWAT Team."

Once the SWAT team was assembled a search of this area began, Beiber said, utilizing K-9 teams from both CCSO and the Vancouver Police Department.

"At approximately 5:10 PM the SWAT Team reported one shot had been fired. They continued to say one of the K-9's was not returning to his handler. The team continued to search utilizing a second K-9. At approximately 5:27 PM that K-9 located the suspect. After a struggle the suspect was taken into custody."

The team then focused their attention on finding the missing K-9. After searching the area they were able to locate him. The K-9 was deceased and appeared to have been shot one time in the head.

Ronald Chenette was transported to SW Washington Medical Center to be treated for a dog bite. At the time of this release detectives from CCSO are still conducting interviews. Once the interviews are completed he will be transported to the Clark County Jail where he will be booked in. It is not yet clear exactly what charges he will face over the matter.

The K-9 that was killed in the line of duty was a German Shepard named Dakota. His handler was Officer Roger Evans from the Vancouver Police Department. More information on Dakota will be released tomorrow by the Vancouver Police Department.

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joey April 14, 2011 8:41 am (Pacific time)

i think out of the 50 states, the maximum sentence you can get for killing a police dog (which the charge would be called)carries a sentence up to 2 years in prison

pancho April 2, 2009 1:55 pm (Pacific time)

well that sux for the dog that got killed but am wandering for how long is the sentence for that guy that kill the k-9 dog?

Pat October 24, 2007 4:13 pm (Pacific time)

Actually, I read elsewhere that the man is wanted on a gun possession violation, and the three strikes law will likely net him a life sentence. However, he sounds like a nut case (he told the judge he wished he shot the other dog too, and he says "Charles Manson Rules!")and is being kept separate from other detainees. KATU said: Chenette has previous convictions for second-degree murder and second-degree assault. Deputy Prosecutor Jim David said he plans to add a firearm enhancement to the charge against Chenette for Tuesday's incident, making it a "strike" under Washington's three strikes law. If convicted, Chenette could face life imprisonment. Personally, I hope they throw away the key. Those dogs and their handlers are incredible! That "stinking police dog" died while apprehending an obviously violent and dangerous person, protecting the public (that includes even you, Vic) from his future actions. Vic, I'm sure you don't include a dog in your family - you sound mean as well as under-educated. And as for the disparity in sentencing, I believe that Ward Weaver is currently serving a life sentence for killing his neighbor's children.

Vic October 24, 2007 4:11 pm (Pacific time)

I gotta admit...that was a good one bamboozler..:) But really, if you kill a police dog (and I am not saying that is a good thing ) you can be charged with "murdering a POLICE OFFICER" . I may be wrong , but I always heard that the sentence for this crime was harsher than a person killing another person (non-police). Hence my maniacal ravings. And as far as Dakota having all that love and honor ...like most dogs , it probably had a lot to do with the FOOD SOURCE. I doubt this dog sat and postulated about his law enforcement career and the good he was doing for society. I think it was more like .."I do what the guy who feeds me tells me "

bamboozler October 24, 2007 9:50 am (Pacific time)

I say that's the kind of person the humane society needs, as dog food!!! Vic, you are have nothing worthwhile to say, but thank you for sharing it anyway.

Vic vs. Dakota October 24, 2007 9:19 am (Pacific time)

Vic, you sound really intelligent (note sarcasm). What is your proof you will "get a harsher sentence by far," for killing a dog than you would for killing a child? Gather your facts before you begin spouting nonsense. These dogs are heroes. They save lives. Dakota had more honor, determination, and loyalty in one paw than you probably have in your entire body. Cite some evidence for your strong comments.

Vic October 24, 2007 7:57 am (Pacific time)

What gets me is that you will get a har5sher sentence by far, for killing a police dog (they call it an "officer" ) than killing a child, a spouse or any other human being. If a goddam dog gets the same considerstion as a police officer, I am assuming they can speak, read, file reports, and attend meetings. They must have a driver's licence, as that is a requirement for "officers". Think about it...you will do more jail time for killing a stinking police dog than you would for killing your neighbor's child. This is where we, the public, are on the police "value of life" scale....behind dogs.

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Police Dog Killed in the Line of Duty

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