Police in Georgia are mourning the loss of a 24-year-old officer who was shot dead after a traffic stop turned into a foot chase Thursday night, authorities said.
Dekalb County Police Chief James Conroy was overcome with emotion when he announced that officer Edgar Flores, who was with the department for less than two years, "died in the line of duty serving the citizens of Dekalb County."
The deadly shooting began when Flores conducted a traffic stop and the driver fled on foot, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said.
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The suspect, 33-year-old Brandon Taylor, shot Flores multiple times, the GBI said.
Flores died at a local hospital.
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When other officers raced to the scene, a police K9 helped track down Taylor, who was found hiding in a pile of tires behind a business, the GBI said.
Taylor shot the 7-year-old dog, named Indi, officials said. Indi, who has five years of service, was in stable condition on Friday, the GBI said.
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Several officers returned fire at Taylor, who was shot and also died, Conroy said.
Governor-elect Brian Kemp tweeted about the slain officer, writing, "We are forever grateful for his service and sacrifice."
The DeKalb police officer shot earlier today has died. We are forever grateful for his service and sacrifice. Our prayers are with those who mourn. https://t.co/5kCPsxDici
— Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) December 14, 2018
Law enforcement departments are also expressing their condolences.
Our hearts are with the family, blood & blue, of the DeKalb County Police Officer who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty tonight. We thank you for your service and pray for the DeKalb County Police Department. ?????? #LODD pic.twitter.com/4wvlCmwPpr
— GA Bureau of Invest (@GBI_GA) December 14, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with our fellow brothers in blue @DeKalbCountyPD #RIP #BlueLivesMatter #DeKalbCounty
— Gwinnett Sheriff's Office (@GwinnettSO) December 14, 2018
Please continue to pray for the K9 that was also shot and is in critical condition. ???????? pic.twitter.com/18H8j5nuKX
The College Park Police Department would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Dekalb County Police Department and the family of the officer killed in the line of duty yesterday. Thank you for your service. Rest easy your brothers and sisters in blue have it from here. pic.twitter.com/zhflnjIa11
— College Park PD (@CollegeParkPD) December 14, 2018
Kaynak:Abcnews