LR police dog dies from 'heat-related distress'

Little Rock Police Department police dog Titus died on Wednesday from "heat-related distress" after a foot chase.
Little Rock Police Department police dog Titus died on Wednesday from "heat-related distress" after a foot chase.

The Little Rock Police Department on Wednesday lost one of its police dogs in the line of duty.

Titus, who had been a member of the department for three years, was involved in a lengthy foot chase with a suspect who purportedly broke into a vehicle and stole property, Little Rock Police Department Officer Richard Hilgeman said.

About 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Maulton Alexander, 43, purportedly stole a radio from a vehicle at 100 S. Ferry St. according to a Little Rock Police Department report.

Police tried to initiate a traffic stop in the 500 block of Cumberland Street before Alexander fled on foot and dropped the car radio on the ground, the report states.

After Alexander fled, Titus was released to apprehend the suspect, Hilgeman said.

Titus chased Alexander to the backyard of a residence on Sherman Street and bit the suspect on his left ankle, according to the report. Alexander was taken to UAMS Medical Center for treatment.

After the chase, Titus exhibited signs of heat-related distress and was taken to Briarwood Animal Hospital in Little Rock, where he failed to respond to treatment.

Titus was Officer Jason Farmer’s partner and was assigned to the downtown division's 1500-2300 watch, Hilgeman said.

“Titus was loved by the community and his fellow officers, and will be deeply missed,” he said. “[Titus'] efforts led to countless arrests.”

Alexander was arrested and charged with breaking and entering, theft of property and fleeing.

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