The El Mirage Police Department in Arizona announced on Saturday the loss of a K-9 officer in a shooting. The dog, "Koki" was shot while chasing a fleeing suspect late Friday.

“Tonight we had a very serious situation in our city in which our K-9 Koki was killed protecting his fellow officers,” Police Chief Paul Marzocca said in a Facebook post. “I want you to know the community is safe and the suspect is no longer a threat.”

The suspect, Joe Reulas, 38, was being sought for aggravated assault charges when an officer released Koki to chase him down as he attempted to flee. The K-9 unit was hit when the suspect turned and fired a handgun. Police later found the man dead in his home from an apparent suicide.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our K-9 Koki who was killed in the line of duty tonight protecting other officers from harm. He will be greatly missed,” Marzocca said in a later Facebook post.

A memorial vigil was held Saturday for Koki.

El Mirage is located in Maricopa County and about 25 miles outside of Phoenix.

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Representational image MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images
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