Highland Park police dog dies from gunshot wounds

A Highland Park police dog thought to be hit on the road, was found with bullet wounds.

Zuellig and Kilo, a Dutch shepherd, worked the streets of Highland Park for nearly two years. Kilo was a beloved family member of Zuellig, who lived at home with his wife and kids.

"He was my partner," said Officer Christopher Zuellig. "He's an officer and times were rough out there."

Off-duty Sunday night while Zuellig was gone, Kilo ran from the yard and darted out in front of a pickup truck near the house in St. Clair County.

Kilo was critical and died within hours - but the dog was actually not hurt by the vehicle.

"The veterinarian clinic tried to save him, but said they didn't even find broken bones," Zuellig said. "They found two gunshot wounds to his hind, which indicates he was running and someone may have been shooting at him."

Kilo ran to the road at the same time neighbors in the rural area heard gunshots at about 10:30 or 11 p.m.

A top notch drug dog, Kilo had a nose for dope. Highland Park Officers signed a card for Kilo and officer Zuellig - they both wore police badge No. 24.

"We put out a specific decal on his ride for Kilo with his end of watch date," said Officer Jeffrey Crouch. "He's been here since December 4, 2013 working with the Highland Park Police Department."

Investigators are working right now to find out what happened to Kilo and who may be responsible. If he died from gunshot wounds who fired the rounds?

"It is a felony," Zuellig said. "A police dog is a law enforcement tool and it's a serious offense. If anyone has heard anything or knows anything, contact the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office or Highland Park Police Department."

CLICK HERE for the Facebook page made remembering Kilo.

Highland Park PD: (313) 852-7338

St. Clair County Sheriff's Office: (810) 985-8115