Police K-9 Fatally Shot on Final Shift Before Retirement
The K-9 was killed while pursuing a homicide suspect who also died in the exchange of gunfire.
A police K-9 named Kylo was fatally shot on Thursday during his last scheduled shift before retirement, authorities said.
Kylo, a German Shepherd who served the Portland Police Bureau for six years, was killed when gunfire erupted as officers and the US Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force attempted to apprehend a suspect. The incident occurred near the Chestnut Tree Inn in Portland.
The suspect was the target of a manhunt initiated earlier in the day after authorities discovered a deceased individual inside a residence. Police stated that the suspect, while attempting to flee from officers, was shot and died at the scene despite life-saving efforts.
Kylo was also struck by gunfire during the exchange and was transported to a veterinary medical center, where he was pronounced deceased. A police procession later carried his body from the veterinary center to the Oregon Humane’s Animal Crimes Forensic Center.
"K9 Kylo was a true protector of the peace. We ask our community to keep the officers and professional staff of the Portland Police Bureau in your thoughts as they honor K9 Kylo’s legacy and sacrifice," the Portland Police Bureau said in a statement.
Two Portland officers and two individuals from other agencies were involved in the shooting. The Portland Police Bureau will lead the investigation into the incident. The officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave.
Kylo's death marks the second police dog fatality in the area this week. Leni, a K-9 with the Gresham Police Department, died unexpectedly on Monday. The cause of Leni's death was not immediately specified.