K9 Officer Kasper Stable After Taking Bullet For Partner During Shootout

A K9 officer is expected to survive after being shot while protecting his partner during a Florida shootout in which the suspect died, authorities say.

The incident began early Friday, when 46-year-old Phillip Oshea allegedly robbed a West Palm Beach bar, the Palm Beach Post reported.

Officers with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said they chased the suspect, who crashed his vehicle and opened fire before fleeing the scene.

They said they tracked him down later that day in Jupiter after he allegedly carjacked a woman.

“Suspect Phillip Oshea, again fired shots at the deputies while we were attempting to apprehend him,” PBSO said in a statement. Oshea also had outstanding warrants in North Carolina.

K9 officer Kasper was struck while protecting his partner as deputies and the suspect engaged in a gunfight, the sheriff’s office said.

“He is currently recovering and in stable condition,” PBSO said.

Police said officers fatally struck Oshea after returning fire.

The three unidentified officers involved in the shooting are now on administrative leave pending a routine investigation during officer-involved shootings.

This was the first officer-involved shooting for PBSO this year.

None of the officers suffered injuries during the shootout, thanks in no small part to K9 Kasper.

“He is currently recovering and in stable condition,” PBSO said.