Vancouver K9’s tail amputated after dog was likely struck by officer’s bullet

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Vancouver Police Department K9’s tail was amputated after an officer’s bullet likely struck it during a deadly officer-involved shooting that occurred on June 17 in Northeast Vancouver, authorities confirmed on June 26.

The Vancouver Police Department announced Wednesday that K9 Remi is still recovering from the shooting. Photos posted to the Vancouver Police Department Facebook page show that most of Remi’s long, bushy tail was amputated during the emergency surgery. VPD spokesperson Kim Kapp confirmed that Remi lost most of his tail as a result of the injury.

“We are happy to share K9 Remi is recovering at home and doing well after being injured in a shooting last week,” the Vancouver Police Department shared on Facebook. “Thank you to all the community members who have sent well wishes along to Remi the past week.”

Remi was injured after Officer Jason Haigwood ordered the 4-year-old Belgian Malinois to take down 40-year-old Jonathan West, who was allegedly seen brandishing a gun in a McDonald’s parking lot on Andresen Road in Northeast Vancouver at 12:51 a.m. West refused to comply with police commands, authorities say, and pointed a gun at officers when Remi was released.

Four officers responded by opening fire, killing West and injuring K9 Remi in the process. Remi was taken to an emergency veterinary hospital following the shooting and was released the following day. The officers involved in the shooting are Haigwood, Sgt. James Kelly and Officers Justin Reiner and Philip Wilkening. All four officers were placed on critical incident leave following the shooting.

Sgt. Christopher Skidmore with the Clark County Sheriff's Office told KOIN 6 News that investigators with the Southwest Washington Independent Investigative Response Team suspect that Remi was struck by a VPD officer’s bullet. However, investigators have not confirmed which officer fired the bullet that struck the dog.

“Investigators believe K9 Remi’s tail was struck by a VPD officer’s gunshots during the incident,” Skidmore said. “The officer who fired the specific round has not been determined.”