Communities Mourn Two Police K-9s Shot and Killed Just Hours Apart

Jethro, a police K-9 with the Canton, Ohio police, was shot three times on Saturday.

Two police canines died within hours of each other Sunday, both from gunshot wounds they suffered in the line of duty.

In a Virginia incident, a gun salesman who'd barricaded himself in a home fatally shot a police dog, police said. The K-9, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois named Krijger, was a canine officer with the Norfolk Police Department.

According to WVECpolice negotiators arrived at the Norfolk home after a man barricaded himself inside following a domestic dispute.

Following nearly seven hours of unsuccessful negotiations, the armed man exited the home. Police say they ordered him to drop the gun and surrender before he opened fire, killing Krijger.

Canton police then opened fire. The alleged shooter was injured and taken to an area hospital in serious condition.

Read: Video Appears to Show Cop Kicking His Police Dog, Investigation Underway

The man is charged with abduction, robbery, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and brandishing a firearm.

"It is with heavy hearts we announce the loss of a loyal and dedicated member of the Norfolk Police Department," the department wrote on Facebook on Monday afternoon. "K9 "Krijger" died after being shot early this morning by an armed suspect.

"He served NPD for three years and faithfully gave his life to protect ours. Rest in peace, Krijger. Your work is done, but never forgotten."

The other police K-9, this one from from Ohio, was shot several times during a robbery and died Sunday.

Jethro, a canine officer with the Canton police, was shot three times in the line of duty on Saturday.

Jethro initially survived. However, after taking a turn, he died Sunday.

According to the Canton Police Facebook page, none of Jethro's vital organs were struck. However, he took a round to the muzzle that vets believed caused some potentially serious brain trauma.

Watch: Police Apologize To Family After Cop Shoots Dog in the Head

Despite his serious injuries, heroic Jethro wanted to take on this fight--like he did so many others--head on.

Fearing Jethro's refusal to even sleep might hinder his healing, vets sedated the dog. He would not wake up again.

"It is with heavy hearts that we must tell you all that we lost Jethro. He took a sudden turn for the worse and has passed," the CPD wrote on Facebook on Sunday.

The Canton police K9 association later posted a photo of the hero dog's remains draped in an American flag.

The robbery suspect was apprehended and taken into custody at the scene, WKYC reports.

Watch Below: Dying K-9 Officer Gets Heartbreaking Last Call Honor By Police Department