Authorities say a suspect was shot and killed after he opened fire, killing a Wise County K-9 officer sent to help apprehend him Wednesday afternoon.
The Wise County Sheriff's Office was assisting Montague County on a vehicle pursuit when the driver, identified as 45-year-old Alan Alverson, stopped near Highway 101 southwest of Bowie and ran from his vehicle, officials said.
Deputies then sent the K-9 officer, named Pepper, to find the suspect, which he did.
That's when investigators said Alverson shot and killed Pepper.
Law enforcement officers then shot Alverson, who was pronounced dead.
The shooting remains under investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Alverson was being sought on warrants for probation violation out of Wise County and felony possession of a controlled substance out of Tarrant County.
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Sheriff's officials said Alverson's criminal history included 23 arrests since 1990 for charges including escape from custody and carrying a prohibited weapon.
Pepper, a 2-year-old Shepherd, had only been in service with the Wise County Sheriff's Office for a few months prior to Wednesday's shooting. Officials said Pepper is responsible for saving the lives of at least five officers at the scene.
A memorial service is being planned for Pepper at the Grace Fellowship Church in Paradise.
