Omaha man strangles police service dog during armed barricade
OMAHA, Neb. (KLKN) — Last week, Omaha Police Department (OPD) arrested Raynard Bass, 40, on multiple charges related to an armed barricade incident.
Bass had shoplifted at Von Maur around 7 p.m. before he fled the scene. An OPD helicopter followed Bass’ vehicle when officers witnessed Bass holding a gun in one of his hands.
Officers used a tire deflation device to stop the vehicle. Bass then ran into a residence where two people were in the basement.
OPD’s SWAT team arrived on scene along with Crisis Negotiators. Officers were able to get the residents to safety, but Bass refused to cooperate.
OPD then tried less lethal techniques, sending in Kano, a Police Service Dog, where he found Bass hiding within a wall. The SWAT team followed the dog shortly after where they found Kano on the floor and unresponsive.
After Bass was taken into custody, it was determined he strangled Kano, which rendered him unconscious. Officers gave Kano CPR inside the home before he was taken to a veterinarian hospital.
Bass was lodged for an outstanding felony domestic violence warrant, felony shoplifting, operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, terroristic threats, burglary, attempted felony assault on a police officer, use of a weapon to commit a felony, felon in possession of a firearm, animal cruelty to a police service animal and obstructing a police officer.
“Tragically, during the arrest, Mr. Bass choked K-9 Kano until he lost consciousness and stopped breathing,” Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said. “Thanks to the immediate, life-saving actions of our officers and Omaha Fire Department personnel, Kano was resuscitated, rushed to emergency veterinary care, and continues to be closely monitored.”
Today, OPD updated the public on Kano’s condition.
Kano was discharged from the vet over the weekend and is now at home recovering. According to OPD, he has some swelling in his chest, lungs and liver that need to heal before he can return to duty.
