Marco, police dog shot by officer, dies

A Las Vegas police dog that was shot by an officer last week has died.

Marco, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois police dog, was shot May 14 after he mistakenly bit officer Michael R. Foster, 28, as police were chasing a man through the backyards of homes near Alta Drive and Jones Boulevard, police said.

Marco had latched onto Foster's arm and would not let go until the dog's handler called him, police said.

Foster's partner, Edward J. Renfer, 28, shot Marco once after the dog appeared to be coming back toward Foster.

The Facebook group "Friends of the Las Vegas Police K9s" posted the news on the site at about 6 a.m. on Wednesday.

Marco was euthanized about 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, surrounded by his handler, his family and numerous police officers.

"It is with a heavy heart that we share with you the news of Marco's passing. Our heart goes out to his partner," group administrators wrote. "He was our little Hero but his Legacy will go on!"

Police said Marco had not recovered after an eight-day veterinary hospital stay. Marco had lost the use of several major muscles, police said, and was unable to move his front and back legs.

A small, private memorial service will be held to remember Marco's life.

A police spokeswoman said the incident will be reviewed by the department's Use of Force Review Board. The report into the incident will not be released because it's part of the internal investigation, she said.

Contact reporter Mike Blasky at mblasky
@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283.