Fort Lauderdale K-9 shot by alleged armed burglar undergoes surgery as suspect skips bond court

A Broward police K-9 is undergoing surgery on Monday after it was shot by a man who was trying to flee the scene of a suspected burglary on Saturday.

According to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, K-9 Appie, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, who has served with the department since July 2023, was allegedly shot in the shoulder by Christian Q. Bouie, 30, of Fort Lauderdale.

K-9 Appie was rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital after the shooting, and was expected to undergo surgery on Monday. K-9 Appie is expected to survive.

Bouie was arrested and is facing several charges, including the use of a deadly weapon on a police animal. 

Suspect shot Fort Lauderdale police K-9 while trying to flee, investigators say

The incident began on Saturday night when the Fort Lauderdale Police Department said officers were called to investigate a possibly burglary call in the 1600 block of Northwest 16th Court.

Police said the call came in around 7:30 p.m., and officers set up a perimeter in the area.

A perimeter was set up, and police said Bouie tried to run away and leave the area.

K-9 Appie was then released to try and help catch Bouie, but he opened fire and hit the dog. Appie was rushed to a veterinary hospital, and Bouie was also taken to a hospital to be treated for a dog bite.

SWAT and officers were eventually able to take Bouie into custody after a brief struggle.

Fort Lauderdale police said a weapon was recovered from the scene, and the investigation is ongoing.

Bouie, 31, later refused to appear in bond court on Monday, but a woman identifying herself as his mother attended the hearing.

During the hearing, she became emotional and told the judge her son had recently been released from prison and claimed he was forced into the alleged burglary by someone he lives with.

She also offered a tearful apology in court.

Bouie's bond was set at $45,000, and he faces additional charges including fleeing and eluding law enforcement.

Police said K-9 Appie underwent surgery Monday and is expected to recover.