Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department have confirmed two suspects are in custody after a shooting that left a Palm Beach County K9 officer dead outside of the Mall at Wellington Green.

According to CbsNews, shortly before 6:00 p.m. on Monday,deputies had been searching for two men allegedly involved in an attempted murder at a Palm Beach County bar. According to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, deputies found the men, where they had been joined by a third person at the mall.

Deputies observed the men on mall surveillance video and decided to wait until the men left the mall to arrest them in order to reduce the risk of anyone getting hurt. As one suspect surrendered, another man took off and K-9 Cigo pursued him. The person then shot K-9 Cigo that still managed to reach the man. The suspect then shot at deputies who returned fire and hit the man several times.

On Twitter, the PBSO posted the following:

“Our hearts are truly broken after a suspect shot and killed our K9 Dog tonight, on Christmas Eve. He did his job, giving his life to save and protect our own. – Sheriff @RicBradshaw”

Three-year-old K9 Cigo had been rushed to an emergency veterinarian and died shortly after arrival.

“Rest in Peace #K9 Cigo.”

https://www.facebook.com/palmbeachcountysheriff/videos/783765345292839/

According to WptvNews, the suspect is wanted for first degree murder and is in critical condition at the hospital.