K9 Max is a two-year-old Dutch Shepherd working with his handler, Corporal Brock Gruner, for the Lubbock Police Department in Texas. He is a multi-purpose police dog, trained in narcotics detection as well as criminal apprehension. K9 Max and Cpl. Gruner are certified with the National Narcotics Detection Dog Association in both narcotics and patrol work. K9 Max has been credited with several narcotics finds and suspect apprehensions since joining the department in February of 2019.
While responding to a vehicle theft this past August, K9 Max and Cpl. Gruner found themselves on a foot pursuit with a teen suspect who began firing at the pair with a stolen pistol. In an attempt to apprehend the suspect, K9 Max suffered two gunshot wounds; one in the front-left paw and one in the right-rear haunch. The dog was taken to an emergency veterinarian with non-life-threatening injuries.
K9 Max is expected to make a full recovery and pending an evaluation, return to duty with the Lubbock Police Department. When K9 Max is not on duty, he is a playful and friendly family pet that enjoys being with Cpl. Gruner and his family.