Audubon County Sheriff Todd Johnson today (Tuesday), released details about an accident involving one of his deputies, that took place last Friday night. The Sheriff says Deputy Shawn Young and his K-9 partner “Harry” were on patrol in a 2012 Chevy Tahoe south of Exira on Lark Avenue, when he heard a broadcast from Cass County about a fight occurring on Interstate 80 near mile marker 67. Since he wasn’t too far away, Young proceeded toward the incident in case Cass County Deputies needed assistance.

K9 “Harry”

The Deputy contacted the Audubon County dispatch center by radio, asking the dispatcher to contact Cass County Communications to advise if deputies needed assistance and if he needed to continue. Three minutes later, Young called dispatch on his cell phone to advise he just had an accident and that he needed immediate assistance because his K-9 was possibly deceased. Later, the Deputy advised, after radioing dispatch, that he had been attempting to hang up his mic, when the distraction caused him to miss the 20-mile per hour curve sign. Even though he was not traveling at a high rate of speed, Young was unable to negotiate the curve. The SUV went off the road an hit a field drive embankment.

When Exira Rescue personnel arrived on scene, Young refused medical attention, and insisted they help his K-9 partner. At about that same time, a Cass County Deputy arrived and seeing the condition of Harry, loaded the 6-year old Belgian Tervuren on his patrol vehicle for transport to the Audubon Veterinary Clinic, where their staff was waiting. Young was then transported by Exira Rescue to the Audubon County Memorial Hospital for treatment of possible leg, torso and neck injuries. He was later released after tests were performed.

The Audubon Vet Clinic staff meanwhile worked tirelessly to stabilize Harry, and by Saturday morning he was stable enough for them to begin an examination to determine the extent of his injuries. It was determined at that time that his injuries were insurmountable and euthanasia was the only humane choice to stop his suffering.

The Sheriff’s Office will hold a Memorial Service for K-9 Harry at 5-pm on Thursday, April 9th, at the Audubon City Park band shelter stage. All are welcome to attend. Sheriff Johnson says at one point or another, Harry has been cared for and lived with almost all the deputies who serve Audubon County. He says Harry “Was not only a co-worker, but became family with our law enforcement family. Harry has been responsible for recovering more than one-half pound of crystal meth (ice), four-pounds of cocaine, 10-pounds of methamphetamine, a large amount of marijuana and over $270,000 in drug money, as well as numerous drug arrests and convictions.”

Johnson says the Sheriff’s Office plans to continue with its K-9 program at a later date. The accident remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol and then review by the Audubon County Safety Committee.