Cheyenne Police Dog Saves Officer

K9 Capo saved his handler during a disturbance in front of 416 Cribbon Ave. at 1:30. this morning, according to Officer Dan Long of the Cheyenne Police Department.

K9 Capo’s handler, Officer Lisa Koeppel, responded to a report of Aventura Palomo Jr., 40, of Gillette, and Adam Palomo, 32, of Cheyenne, fighting in the street.

Soon after Officer Koeppel got there the two men ran from the scene.  Officer Koeppel chased the two men and caught up to them in front of 414 Cribbon Ave.  Palomo Jr. turned towards Officer Koeppel and attacked her.  During the fight Palomo Jr. got on top of Officer Koeppel and began hitting her in the face. Officer Koeppel thought about using deadly force to prevent the lethal attack but was able to activate her remote door release, which freed K9 Capo.

K9 Capo ran towards the fight and, even after being kicked several times by Palomo Jr., was able to stop him.

Palomo Jr. was arrested and taken to the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center where he was admitted for dog bite wounds on his leg.

Once he gets out of the hospital, Palomo Jr. will be booked into the Laramie County jail on charges that include Assault on a Peace Officer, Interference with a Peace Officer, Cruelty to Animals, and Destruction of Property.

Adam Palomo was arrested and booked into the Laramie County jail on Public Intoxication, Fighting, Refusing to Obey, and Violent Acts charges.

Cheyenne Police Chief Brian Kozak will recognize K9 Capo’s lifesaving actions by presenting him with a lifesaving medal to be presented at a later date.

Officer Koeppel was treated and released for her injuries inflicted by Palomo Jr.