Whitley County K9 Officer Cas. Photo from the Columbia City Facebook page.

KOSCIUSKO — Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies offered condolences to Deputy Gary Archbold, his family and the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department for the loss of K9 Officer, Cas, through an online post on the KCSO Facebook page Wednesday evening, July 10.

K9 Officer Cas died yesterday following a police chase. The incident began around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, in Plymouth after police learned of a carjacking.

K9 Officer Cas. Photo from the Columbia City Police Department Facebook page.

A chase began in Warsaw after the suspect was seen traveling east on US 30, near Fox Farm Road in Warsaw. The chase continued as various departments participated in the pursuit and then entered Whitley County.

Archbold, a Whitley County deputy, positioned his car in the intersection of US 30 and CR 450 West and set up stop sticks in an attempt to prevent the Chrysler from fleeing. The driver attempted to avoid the stop sticks and collided broadside with the Whitley County Dodge Charger in the passenger side

The collision caused the Charger to enter into the westbound lanes of US 30 and the police car burst into flames, police said.

Officers were unable to get the K9 patrol dog out of the Charger and K9 Officer Cas died at the scene. Deputy Archbold was unharmed.

The driver of the Chrysler received minor injuries and is reportedly being treated at a local hospital.

In a post put up late last night, the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department expressed gratitude to the community for “the overwhelming support during this difficult time” and to Running Around Screen Printing in Columbia City for staying late to prepared a memorial (pictured) for the community.

Two posts on the Columbia City Police Department Facebook page featuring a photo of the police dog prompted 896 shares, 1,109 reactions and 99 comments as of late Thursday morning. Columbia City Mayor Ryan Daniel issued an executive order this morning for flags to be lowered to half-mast until Friday, July 19, “in honor of the brave and honorable service given by K9 Cas to the city of Columbia City and the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department.”

A memorial in honor of K9 Officer Cas. Photo from the Whitley County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.