A police K-9 working its final shift before it was to be retired was tragically killed during an officer-involved shooting this week.
Kylo — a police K-9 for the Portland Police Bureau — was part of a murder suspect apprehension when gunfire rang out, killing the suspect and injuring Kylo, reported Fox8 Live.
Although he was rushed to the veterinarian's office, Kylo succumbed to his injuries.
According to the Gresham Police Department, officers were made aware of a disturbance on Thursday morning and, upon arriving at the scene, they discovered a dead body.
A manhunt was launched for the suspect that included the Portland Police Bureau, the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, and other local agencies.
The suspect was located around midday, and when authorities attempted to apprehend him, shots were exchanged. Witnesses said they heard 20 to 30 gunshots. Officers rendered medical aid, but the suspect died at the scene. The officers involved in the shooting are on paid administrative leave pending an investigation, which is routine.
Kylo worked for six years and was set to retire after this last shift. He was carried by a police procession from the emergency veterinarian to Oregon Humane’s Animal Crimes Forensic Center.
Kylo is the second police dog to die in the Gresham area this week. Leni, a police dog for the Gresham Police Department, died unexpectedly on September 21. His cause of death has not been revealed.
"Our police dogs serve with unwavering courage, devotion, and heart, standing beside their handlers through moments of challenge and service to our community. While their time with us is never long enough, their impact is lasting and profound,” said Police Chief Travis Gullberg in a press release about Leni.
The K-9 unit serves to provide specialized support to the police by utilizing dogs’ keen sense of smell and hearing. They are typically used to apprehend suspects, search buildings, find evidence, and protect officers and community members.
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