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Handler – Officer Vinnie Ramsour
Arlington police K9 dies after becoming overcome by heat
Police in Arlington say a K9 who became overcome by heat while assisting officers during a search for an aggravated assault suspect has died. Mojo the Belgian Malinois did not give up until his body gave in. Early in the afternoon Tuesday, police asked the public to pray for Mojo, who became ill during a search for 17-year-old Deon Arnold Jr., a suspect in a shooting incident that took place on June 12. The suspect was later apprehended. Police tweeted out video as officers rushed to transport Mojo to an emergency animal clinic. Police say the suspect led authorities on a vehicle chase and then bailed from his car and into a wooded area in the 7100 block of Chambers Creek Lane. At about 10 a.m., the K9 unit was called in to assist officers in their foot search. At about 11:15 a.m., Mojo’s handler requested water and transportation to an animal hospital when the dog became visibly overheated. Arlington officers rushed Mojo first to his usual vet, who was nearby, and then to an emergency clinic in Mansfield by squad car. His handler, Officer Vinnie Ramsour stayed by his side. Authorities say Mojo was pronounced dead at about 2:30 p.m. “I know the handler personally,” said Lt. Chris Cook, a spokesman with Arlington police. “He loves that dog, as does the whole police community here.” Mojo and came to Arlington from Holland in the Netherlands. He’s been with the Arlington Police Department since June of 2010. “K9 Mojo has served the community many years,” Cook said. “A lot of successful apprehensions.” Ramsour, has worked with the K9 department for more than 18 years, and the Arlington Police Department for 23 years. Police say Ramsour has worked with three dogs since his start with the K9 unit. “Today we experienced a significant loss to our APD team,” said Assistant Police Chief Kevin Kolbye. “Mojo was an exceptional K9 partner, friend, and served the citizens of Arlington honorably. Police say Mojo is the first K9 death during a duty assignment in Arlington. While officers can at least ask for help from the heat that wasn’t the case for Mojo. His handler, partner, and friend is devastated. “That’s his family,” Cook said. “[He’s] been with this dog five years, at least, maybe longer. They work and live together. Dog goes home with him each and every day. It’s a unique and close relationship. He took it hard.” The whole department is taking it hard. Several officers waited at the vet’s office Tuesday afternoon hoping and praying for Mojo’s recovery. The heat also overtook several officers, who roasted inside heavy body armor in the summer heat. Arm bandages showed where medics re-hydrated officers with IVs. The suspect was taken into custody at about 4:30 p.m. after someone called 911 to report they saw Arnold in the area.
