FISHERS, Ind. — A police K9 named Harlej was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty in Fishers, Indiana. The Fishers Police Department has identified two suspects, Richard Garrett and Rashanna Farrow, both 19 years old from Indianapolis, in connection with the early-morning incident on Wednesday, November 13, 2019.
Richard Garrett faces nine charges, including striking a law enforcement animal, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, and resisting law enforcement with a vehicle. Rashanna Farrow, who was wanted on warrants from Indianapolis, is charged with False Informing. Both individuals are currently held at the Hamilton County Jail, according to RTV6.
The death of K9 Harlej marks the first line-of-duty death in the Fishers Police Department’s history. Harlej, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois, was killed during the manhunt for the wanted suspects. A memorial has been established at the Fishers Police Department to honor K9 Harlej, who was fatally shot during a pursuit.
The incident unfolded when officers attempted to stop a possible DUI driver shortly after midnight. Following a brief chase, the suspects stopped in a neighborhood and fled on foot. K9 Harlej was deployed to assist in the search. While searching in a wooded area, officers heard what they believed were shots fired. Harlej was later found dead in the woods. Both suspects were subsequently taken into custody.
“It is my belief that he saved lives last night and we’re thankful for his sacrifice,” Fishers Police Department Chief Ed Gebhart said during a press conference early Wednesday morning. Gebhart noted that Harlej joined the Fishers Police Department in 2015 and had a “very successful career.”
“We would ask for the community to be patient with us,” Gebhart added.
Services for Harlej will be announced at a later date. Fishers Police Department public information officer Tom Weger stated that there has been a significant outpouring of support, including comments on social media, emails, voice messages, and offerings of food, flowers, and gift cards. A memorial has been set up in the police department’s lobby.
“It’s been overwhelming and we sure do appreciate it,” Weger said.