A K-9 officer with the Atlanta Police Department went missing on Tuesday near Bogart, Georgia, sparking a widespread search effort. The dog, named Ben, ran away from his handler's home while being prepared for their usual morning routine. The officer was letting Ben out of his kennel to load him into the truck when the canine unexpectedly bolted into a nearby wooded area.

Ben, a 9-year-old German Short-Haired Pointer weighing approximately 90 pounds, is assigned to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta. He has been a valued member of the police force for eight years and is microchipped.

The Atlanta Police Department and the Oconee County Sheriff's Office have launched a joint search for Ben, utilizing resources such as drones to cover the area extensively. Despite these efforts, the K-9 officer remains missing as of Wednesday morning.

Authorities are urging the public to be vigilant and report any sightings of Ben. Anyone who spots him is asked to immediately contact 911 or their local police department.