This police K-9 almost lost his life in the line of duty. He’s back at work

He’s back.

Koba, a two-year K-9 veteran of the North Richland Hills police department who was critically wounded in a January standoff, returned to duty a few days ago.

Koba suffered a gunshot wound on Jan. 14 when a man described as being suicidal fired at officers and was shot and injured by police. The canine who received cards and gifts from well-wishers all over the world.

North Richland Hills police have not received ballistic results to determine if Koba was shot by the suspect or a police officer.

A ballistic vest that Koba was wearing may have saved his life, North Richland Hills police have said.

Koba, a 4-year-old part Dutch shepherd and part Belgian malinois, is trained in patrol functions as well as in narcotics. He and his handler have been together for two years.

Koba is the younger of two K-9s on the force, North Richland Hills police have said. Breta is the veteran of the K-9 unit in the department.

North Richland Hills police were called about 7:15 p.m. on Jan. 14 to assist Watauga officers in a police chase that ended in the area of Caracas and Trinidad drives near Rufe Snow Drive in North Richland Hills.

This story was originally published March 13, 2019 at 11:18 AM.