A man who shot and killed a police dog after robbing a bank has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Joseph Turner, 22, shot Magnum, a 3-year-old K9 Officer partnered with Anderson Police Officer Matt Jarrett. Officer Jarrett described Magnum as his "best friend".

Turner robbed the PNC Bank in Anderson, Indiana on August 18, 2012 before fleeing on bicycle. Turner fled into a nearby bean field and was hiding when Officer Jarrett released K9 Magnum to track the robber down.

Turner was armed and shot the Belgian Malinois in the face above his eyes. Police surrounded the field and Turner eventually was taken into custody.

At the time of Turner's arrest, Detective Joel Sandefur told WISHTV, "The dogs did a great job picking up his scent." Sandefur said Magnum protected his fellow officers without fear and performed admirably. He added, "I want to stress Magnum took a bullet for the officers."

Initially, police thought Magnum would survive his injuries but he did not recover and died a few days later.

Turner pleaded guilty in January to multiple charges including armed robbery, criminal recklessness, resisting law enforcement and striking and killing a law enforcement animal.

In addition to 12 years in jail, Turner received 6 years of probation.

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