Rankin County authorities say a sheriff’s office K-9 collapsed and is receiving emergency treatment after a medical emergency during a manhunt on May 21, 2026, in Pelahatchie.
The Rankin County Sheriff’s Office said Deputy Decell and his K-9 partner, Fox, responded to assist in the search for a juvenile who had escaped from the Rankin County Juvenile Detention Center. About 100 yards into the track, the office said Fox suddenly collapsed.
Deputy Decell carried Fox to his patrol vehicle and transported him to the after-hours veterinary emergency clinic URGIVET in Madison for treatment, the sheriff’s office said. Veterinarians determined that Fox was suffering from an undiagnosed tumor that ruptured during the track, causing severe internal bleeding near his heart. Fox remains under treatment and observation and will be medically retired because of the condition, the office said.
Fox is a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois trained in narcotics detection, tracking and handler protection. The sheriff’s office said Deputy Decell and his family are spending time with Fox and are deeply saddened. Sheriff Bryan Bailey asked the community to keep Deputy Decell, his family and Fox in their thoughts and prayers. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
