An Illinois police K-9 was killed Sunday in a shootout that erupted during a for a suspect.
The incident began when Rockford police responded to a call near a golf course, WREX-TV reports. After reaching the scene, officers widened a search for a suspect, who was found about a mile and a half away from the location of the original call.
Officers confronted the suspect, and a shootout ensued. Nyx, a Rockford police K-9, was fatally shot in the gunfight, which also wounded the suspect in the leg.
"I'm beyond saddened to hear about the brave K-9 officer from Rockford PD who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," State Rep. John Cabello, who also is a member of the Rockford Police Department, said in a statement. "This incident is yet another reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers and their K-9 partners face daily to keep our community safe."
A Belgian Malinois originally from Poland, Nyx had been trained for multiple roles, including drug detection, evidence recovery and suspect apprehension. A police procession was held for the K-9 following the incident.
"Nyx was an amazing K9 officer and we have heavy hearts for her handler," Kathy Hansen, board president of the Friends of Rockford Police K-9, said in a statement.
The Winnebago-Boone County Integrity Task Force is investigating the shooting.
