Police K9 shot and killed, his handler wounded in shootout with assault suspect

ALTON, MO - A police K9 of the Alton Police Department, Odin, was killed in the line of duty in the early morning hours Thursday when both he and his handler Officer Allen Averbeck were shot in a gun battle with 27-year-old Vernon Randle Jr. The suspect was killed by return fire.

According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, authorities said that Randle may have been connected with a shooting of a woman Wednesday night approximately a mile from the site of the shootout. Officers had been in the area since 5:00 a.m. Thursday morning searching for the suspect. They reportedly observed a man walking near a liquor store, although it's unclear if this man was the assault suspect.

Details of the engagement between Officer Averbeck and Randle are unclear as of this report, however, witnesses told the outlet that nine to 10 shots were heard, followed by sirens and helicopters. At least 20 evidence markers could be seen at the site of the shooting. A neighbor, Leann Swain, told reporters that she heard Officer Averbeck yell to the suspect "not to move or the dog would bite them."

After the suspect was down, Officer Averbeck radioed frantically from the scene that he and his canine partner were hit. “Dispatch, I’m hit, I’m hit,” he said per KSDK news. "Dispatch, my dog is hit as well. My dog’s down." Odin was transported to a veterinary hospital nearby, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Officer Averbeck was transported to an area hospital and is said to be recovering. The Illinois State Police are handling the use of force investigation and will turn over its findings to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. Randle was taken to the hospital as well with injuries and he later died there. 

In a statement to the Dispatch, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine said, "’Officer Down’ are the two worst words you can hear, but in this case, we are all immensely grateful that this officer somehow avoided serious injury." He went on to say that the death of Odin "will be a tough one."

The department wrote in a post to Facebook, "As many of you know, yesterday was a sad day as we lost our beloved K9 Odin to gunfire. While we mourn his loss, I also want to highlight that K9 Odin performed courageously and sacrificed his life to save the lives of his fellow officers. There is no higher act of love and sacrifice than to give one’s life to save others.

"The outpouring of support from the community has been incredible. It is a great feeling to have the community rally around us and unite as we deal with this loss. The immense amount of calls, texts, emails, in-person visits, cards, food deliveries, and donations has been nothing short of incredible.

"We are forever grateful to be part of such a wonderful community. The officer who was shot is at home recovering. Thankfully, his body armor saved him from serious injury. He has expressed his sincere thanks for all of the love and support shown to him and K9 Odin."