Portland K9 Killed Tracking Homicide Suspect During Final Shift
A Portland police K9 was killed during a fatal shooting while tracking a homicide suspect on his last day of service.
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A Portland police K9, Kylo, was shot and killed on his final shift before retirement while helping track a homicide suspect, according to the Portland Police Bureau. The incident occurred around 1:45 p.m. Thursday, when two Portland officers and two from outside agencies confronted a wanted man at the location. Shots were fired, resulting in the suspect’s death at the scene, and officers recovered a firearm.
K9 Fatally Injured in Line of Duty
Kylo, a German shepherd who had served six years with the Portland Police Bureau, was struck in the same shooting and later died of his wounds at a veterinary hospital. The Portland Police Bureau has not yet determined whether the suspect or officers fired the fatal rounds. An internal use-of-force review is underway to examine the response and tactics used.
Victim Identified as Gresham Homicide Suspect
The dead man, identified as the suspect in a Gresham homicide, was found shot to death inside a home on Southeast Market Street shortly after 7 a.m. by officers responding to a welfare check. Detectives used new public safety cameras in nearby Vance Park and Motorola license plate readers under Oregon Senate Bill 1516 to identify the suspect. The U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force aided the arrest attempt, though the suspect fled as officers closed in.
Community and Force Honor K9
Portland Police Chief Bob Day described the loss as personal, calling it a solemn reminder of the real threats faced by officers daily. Portland Police Union President Sgt. Aaron Schmautz called the death a heavy blow to the force, noting that Kylo was there until the very end, sacrificing his life to save several officers.
Communal Tribute to Fallen K9
Officers and firefighters escorted Kylo’s flag-draped body into the Oregon Humane Society on Thursday evening, honoring his service and sacrifice. Gresham police and the East County Major Crimes Team are leading the homicide case investigation.
Source: Daily Caller
