K9 Pinto

Pinto

K9 Pinto succumbed to injuries sustained when he was thrown from a patrol car at North Main Street and Mustang Drive in Andrews during a high-speed pursuit.

A Sheriff's Deputy stopped a vehicle for a routine traffic stop. One of the passengers had outstanding warrants and was handcuffed and secured in the patrol car's front seat while a narcotics investigation continued. The suspect managed to move his handcuffs to the front and stole the police vehicle with K9 Pinto caged in the backseat.

The Deputy and a Texas State Trooper pursued the suspect, and a high-speed chase ensued. The suspect lost control of the vehicle, struck an Andrews Police car, hit another vehicle, and the suspect and K9 Pinto were thrown from the car.

K9 Pinto died en route to Andrews Veterinary Clinic.

The suspect was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, interfering with a police service animal, and evading arrest. He received 78 years and will not be eligible to be released until 2032.

K9 Pinto had served with the Andrews County Sheriff's Office for four years. In 2004, he was shot, saving his partner and another officer.