Heflin Police Dog Injured On Duty

Heflin Police Department’s canine officer is recovering from injuries suffered during a warrant round up.

Addi required 17 staples in her front right leg to seal a wound from a biting by a pair of pit bulls. Police said a homeowner released the dogs to attack officers, but they headed straight for Addi

The dutch shepherd is about seven years old and trained to sniff narcotics, search for missing persons, and use her teeth if necessary to stop a suspect.

Law enforcement officers from the Heflin, Oxford, and Ranburne Police Departments, Cleburne and Clay County deputies, and the area’s pardon and parole board had a warrant round up Friday to find about 40 wanted suspects. They went to West 4th Avenue in Fruithurst to arrest Cody Bagby on a burglary charge.

Bagby was not home at the time. Officers arrested him the next day during a traffic stop. Benefield said a woman who was not wanted in the round-up was there with her two pit bulls.

The pit bulls went straight for Addi. Police rushed in to kick the pit bulls off the canine officer.

Addi’s handler, Sergeant Kevin Turley, will submit warrants for the woman’s arrest Wednesday. The expected charges are for injuring a police animal, and failing to vaccinate her dogs for rabies.

Heflin police will also seek restitution for Addi’s veterinary bills, which are currently at about $300.

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