A SWAT team ended an overnight standoff in Salem, N.J. early Thursday morning, arresting the man who allegedly shot an officer and K-9 while he was holding a woman and three children hostage.
But the battle is just underway for the injured K-9.
The suspect, Lavar Rodgers, released the hostages before the SWAT team stormed the duplex on the 300 block of E Broadway Street, according to State Police Lt. Stephen Jones.
The standoff started Wednesday afternoon when two Salem city officers and a detective responded to a domestic dispute at the home.
As police approached the property, the man allegedly opened fire on the cops who then fired back. The officer was grazed by a bullet and treated at the scene.
The K-9, Jordan, was hit in the abdomen and was in stable condition at the University of Pennsylvania's Vet Hospital. The hospital says that the bullet did not hit any major organs. The dog is suffering from minor lung bruising.
The hospital also says that the bullet is still in the dog but that there is no pressing need to remove it yet. Jordan will be sent home in a few days and will then return to the hospital so that surgeons can assess the bullet removal. Surgeons say that it will be an easy procedure.
The relationship between Rodgers, 24, and the hostages was not clear, but both adults had different names and lived in separate houses on the same street, authorities said.
About 100 people from nearby homes were evacuated and taken to a nearby shelter, police said.
The Salem County K-9 Association is asking for the public’s help to cover the about $9,000 medical bill for Jordan’s treatment and surgery.
Send checks to
SCK9 Association
143 Lincoln Drive
Pennsville, NJ 08070
or
Send directly to
THE BANK in Mannington
125 Route 45
Salem, NJ 08079
Also proceeds from the association’s comedy show in Pennsville on Feb. 19 will go to Jordan’s care.
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