The search for a fugitive has turned deadly for a San Joaquin County Sheriff's K-9.

Deputies say Niko, a Dutch Shepherd, was shot and killed by a U.S. Marshal after biting him during a criminal investigation.

A multi-agency task force was serving a search warrant at a home on East Louise in Lathrop around 3 p.m.


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Deputies aren't sure why the dog bit the marshal. Niko died shortly after at a veterinarian's office.

Niko has caught more than 50 suspects and helped in nearly 400 arrests in his five year career.