On 080609 at approximately 2200 hours, Zephyrhills Police Department K-9 team consisting of Officer Joseph Rinaldo and K-9 “Gunner” responded to a burglary in progress at a local business on U.S. Highway 301 in Zephyrhills. Upon arrival the ZPD K-9 Team along with (2) ZPD officers responded to the partially damaged door located on the west side of the business. (1) ZPD officer went to the front (East) side door. K-9 Team made entry on the west side door, made announcement and released K-9 “Gunner” into the business.
 
The suspects escaped through the east side door and the east side officer engaged in foot pursuit with K-9 “Gunner” trailing the east side officer and (1) of the burglary suspects. K-9 “Gunner” pursued the officer and the burglary suspect across U.S. Highway 301 successfully into a hotel parking lot. K-9 Handler Rinaldo could not cross U.S. Highway 301 successfully due to high traffic volume and became separated from the foot pursuit. K-9 Handler Rinaldo recalled K-9 “Gunner” in an attempt to prevent the officer in foot pursuit from being accidentally bitten. K-9 “Gunner” attempted to cross U.S. Highway 301 to return to K-9 Handler Rinaldo, K-9 “Gunner” crossed the northbound lane of U.S. Highway 301 successfully but was accidentally struck by a large SUV in the southbound lane.
 
K-9 “Gunner” died instantly upon being struck by the large SUV.
 
Within minutes of the above listed event, both burglary suspects were taken into custody and charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools, and obstructing police with injury or death to police dog or horse, and at this time are currently being held in the Pasco County Jail in lieu of 15,000.00 bond each.
 
Funeral arrangements are currently being made in the next several days.  If you have any questions or concerns please contact Chief David Shears at (813) 780-0050.
 
It has been an honor and a privilege to be a member and a competitor in the United States Police Canine Association in the 2007 Regional, National, 2008 Regional, and narcotic certification/field trials.
 
I have been blessed to have this opportunity to be among the brotherhood of K-9 handlers and thank you for all of your support through this most extremely difficult of times for my family, my fellow officers, all K-9 handlers/trainers, and myself.
                                                                      Sincerely,
                                                                      K-9 Officer Joseph Rinaldo ZH375 and K-9 “Gunner” ZH403