A dog that served with the Toronto police for seven years died following a police operation Saturday night.

Toronto police Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook said Kash, a German shepherd, and his handler, Const. Matthew Butt, were responding to a call about a person with a gun around 5:30 p.m. in the area of the Don Valley Pkwy. and Wynford Dr.

She said police received reports that someone had been seen tossing a gun into a bus. The police dog services unit was called when officers were unable to find the firearm.

Kash found the gun, Douglas-Cook said. When they went back to their station, Butt realized the dog was in distress.

“They took him to a local emergency vet service. Unfortunately, he did not make it. He passed away for medical reasons,” Douglas-Cook said.

In a tweet, the Toronto police K9 unit announced the death of Kash.

“I know the handler, as we all are, are grieving for the lost of this beautiful creature,” said Douglas-Cook.

In February, Kash and Butt captured four males after an attempted carjacking in the Jane and Wilson area. Two days later, the duo captured a man who fled into a ravine after shots were firedin Thorncliffe Park.

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