N.M. Police K-9 Killed in SWAT Shootout with Gunman at Airport Hotel
Rebel, an Albuquerque police K-9 with the department for seven years, was trying to help arrest an armed suspect at a hotel near the Sunport when he was killed in an exchange of gunfire that also killed the suspect.
Rebel, an Albuquerque police K-9, was killed during a SWAT operation while trying to capture an armed suspect at a hotel near the airport.
The suspect opened fire after jumping from a window and struggling with Rebel, and both were fatally shot.
Rebel served the department for seven years and was honored as a brave and dedicated member of the force.
A New Mexico police K-9 was killed while trying to help arrest an armed suspect during a SWAT operation at an airport hotel Thursday.
Rebel was part of a response to help arrest a suspect who had escaped police during a May 27 SWAT call, KOAT-TV reports. SWAT units arrived at the Comfort Suites near the Albuquerque Sunport, and negotiators tried to get the suspect to surrender.
When the man jumped from a hotel window, Rebel was deployed to subdue him. While struggling with Rebel, the suspect drew a gun and began shooting, with officers returning fire.
Rebel and the suspect were both struck by gunfire in the exchange. Both died from their injuries.
"He was not only a partner to his handler but a valued member of our police family," the department stated. "His dedication and service will never be forgotten."
Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.
