Yerba died on the 15th of August 1984 from gunshot wounds.

​

PC Martin Coxon and his police dog Yerba were off duty when Martin witnessed an armed robbery at the Lloyds Bank, Petts Wood, Kent. A security van was being held up by two armed men. Martin sent Yerba to attack one of the robbers, who opened fire with a handgun and shot Yerba. Despite his wound, Yerba got to his feet to continue the attack whereupon he was shot a second time. Yet again Yerba struggled to his feet but collapsed and died from his wounds. As the robbers ran from the scene, one of them shot Yerba a third time even though he was already dead.

​

There is no doubt that but for the bravery of Martin Coxon and Yerba, serious injury or death could have resulted to members of the public or the security staff. Yerba was posthumously awarded the RSPCA plaque for intelligence and courage.

​

As a footnote the armed robber responsible for killing Yerba committed suicide during an armed seige following a further armed robbery.