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Reiko, a two-year-old police dog, returned home Tuesday night after being shot in the line of duty in West Covina Sunday.

A K-9 named Reiko was covering on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, after being shot by a gunman in West Covina, police said. Officers shot and killed the suspect, officials said. (Credit: KTLA)
A K-9 named Reiko was recovering on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, after being shot by a gunman in West Covina, police said. Officers shot and killed the man who fired on Reiko. (Credit: KTLA)

A gunman shot Reiko after police arrived at a home in the 1500 block of East Elgenia Avenue (map) to conduct a murder investigation.

Officers returned fire and struck the alleged gunman, who was declared dead at the scene.

Reiko’s partner, Officer Bryan Rodriguez, credits the K-9 for saving his life. Rodriguez choked up as he spoke to reporters about the incident Tuesday evening.

“He did something that a lot of others guys … wouldn’t do,” Rodriguez said. “For him to jump in there and take that bullet, it’s amazing.”

Reiko is seen with his handler and partner, Officer Bryan Rodriguez, as he heads home. (Credit: KTLA)
Reiko is seen with his handler and partner, Officer Bryan Rodriguez, as he heads home. (Credit: KTLA)

The bullet lodged dangerously close to Reiko’s spine, and he had to undergo life-saving surgery.

After his release from a special animal hospital in Atwater Village, Reiko was headed to Rodriguez’s home where he was expected to make a full recovery.