Crime

Retired Kennewick K9 dies. He was credited with catching 250 suspects

Retired Kennewick police dog Axel, credited with catching 250 suspects, has died. His handler was retired officer Brad Kohn.
Retired Kennewick police dog Axel, credited with catching 250 suspects, has died. His handler was retired officer Brad Kohn. Kennewick Police Department file
Kennewick, WA

A retired Kennewick police dog credited with catching 250 suspected criminals died last week, according to the Kennewick Police Department.

Axel, a German shepherd, retired after eight years with the Kennewick police at the end of 2019 when his handler and certified K9 instructor officer Brad Kohn retired after 30 years of service.

He was used mostly for chasing down fleeing suspects.

“Nine times out of 10 all we need to do is tell someone if they don’t stop we’ll let the dog loose,” Kohn said at a news media briefing when Axel was still serving. “That usually gets people to stop running.”

Retired Kennewick police dog Axel, credited with catching 250 suspects, has died. His handler was retired officer Brad Kohn.
Retired Kennewick police dog Axel, credited with catching 250 suspects, has died. His handler was retired officer Brad Kohn. Kennewick Police Department file

Axel’s death was announced on the Kennewick police Facebook page.

“Rest easy. Prayers for his partner who’s heart is hurting, I’m sure,” was among more than 125 comments of condolence on the page within hours of the post being made.

Retired Kennewick police dog Axel, credited with catching 250 suspects, has died. His handler was retired officer Brad Kohn.
Retired Kennewick police dog Axel, credited with catching 250 suspects, has died. His handler was retired officer Brad Kohn. Kennewick Police Department file
Retired Kennewick police dog Axel, credited with catching 250 suspects, has died. His handler was retired officer Brad Kohn.
Retired Kennewick police dog Axel, credited with catching 250 suspects, has died. His handler was retired officer Brad Kohn. Kennewick Police Department file
Kennewick K9 Axel is shown after an arrest of two suspects in 2017.
Kennewick K9 Axel is shown after an arrest of two suspects in 2017. Kennewick Police Department file
AC
Annette Cary
Tri-City Herald
509-416-6136
Senior staff writer Annette Cary covers Hanford, energy, the environment, science and health for the Tri-City Herald. She’s been a news reporter for more than 30 years in the Pacific Northwest. Support my work with a digital subscription
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