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K-9 killed on Christmas Eve as police, robbery suspects exchange gunfire near Florida mall

WATCH: Police K-9 killed, suspect injured in Florida mall shooting on Christmas eve – Dec 25, 2018

WELLINGTON, Fla. — A police K-9 is dead and a suspect is hospitalized after a shooting near a Florida shopping mall on Christmas Eve, authorities said.

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In a statement Tuesday, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Therese Barbera said authorities had been searching for two suspects wanted on warrants for attempted first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm. The suspects were located Monday afternoon at the Wellington Green Mall.

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Barbera said undercover deputies secured an area of the mall parking lot and confronted the men when they came outside.

One suspect, 19-year-old Justin Vazquez, surrendered immediately. The other, 28-year-old Giovany Ramos Alvarez, took off running, Barbera said.

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A three-year-old canine named Cigo pursued Alvarez. Barbera said Alvarez turned and fired multiple times, striking Cigo before two deputies returned fire, wounding the suspect.

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No bystanders at the mall were injured in the shooting. Both deputies involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave with pay, according to the sheriff’s office.

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Alvarez was hospitalized Tuesday in serious condition, Barbera said.

“He’s pretty well wounded,” Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said at a news conference.

Cigo was pronounced dead at an animal hospital.

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“He did his job and saved those deputies’ lives,” Bradshaw told reporters.

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