Police K9 Injured While Chasing Suspects

ALPHARETTA, GA -- An Alpharetta police K9 is recovering from emergency surgery after jumping over a 30-foot wall during his pursuit of two suspects.

K9 Mattis was rushed into surgery Saturday evening and was treated for a lacerated livery, "heavy internal bleeding and other issues," the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety said on its Facebook page.

"Thanks in part to your kindness and prayers; he is expected to make a full recovery and return to serving his community," the agency said. "He has a long road ahead but he will be fine."

Alpharetta police were initially in pursuit of two suspects who were fleeing in a vehicle. Those suspects bailed from the vehicle and "unknowingly leaped off of (sic) a 30-foot wall attempting to escape," the department noted.

K9 Mattis, unaware of the risk, continued to pursue the suspects and also leaped over the wall.

The two suspects were eventually taken into custody with dozens of cell phones, credit cards and ID cards, the agency added. As of late Saturday evening, Mattis was reported in stable condition.

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Image via Alpharetta Department of Public Safety