January 4, 2008

CALIFORNIA – A Coronado, California police dog died Monday after a suspect jumped from a bridge with the dog in his arms.

It began with a chase between an intoxicated motorist and Coronado Police Officer Kedrick Sadler. The suspect was found driving erratically, and when he failed to pull over a low-speed chase ensued.

Cory Byron, the 27-year-old driver, ran at least one red light before hitting another motorist and speeding off. But the chase ended soon after, on the San Diego-Coronado bridge.

The two-mile structure spans the San-Diego harbor, and at it's highest point reaches 200 feet. It was there that Byron stopped and exited his GMC pickup.

Officer Kedrick released his Belgian Malinois K-9 officer to apprehend Byron. At first the dog was able to bite the man and brought him to the ground. But soon after, Byron picked the dog up and jumped off the bridge, 75 pound Stryker in his arms.

Tragically, the fall killed Stryker, while the suspect survived. Harbor police rescued Byron and brought him to the University of California San Diego Medical Center where he was treated for a collapsed lung.

A roadside memorial was setup for Stryker, to honor his bravery. The six-and-a-half-year-old dog was amongst the most experienced on the San Diego squad, and had been Officer Kedrick's partner since 2003.

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