Rockford Police K-9 Dog Shot, Killed in Shootout

Tragedy struck Rockford, IL last night when a police K-9 dog was shot and killed in a shootout on 11th Street late Sunday, January 28th.

I woke up to the news myself. One of my best friends lives in Rockford, and told me about a procession of police cars with their lights on while driving in a procession line late Sunday evening. Further research was it was a sudden memorial ride for one of their own, a K-9 dog named Nyx, who was tragically killed on a domestic call.

Rockford Police were called to investigate a "domestic situation" on Jacqueline Drive. The suspect, who has not been identified at this time, was later located in the 2900 block of 11th Street. There was gunfire exchanged between the suspect and the K-9 handler, which resulted in Nyx being killed while tracking down the suspect, per the Jamie Cox Foundation.

The suspect suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

As for Nyx, she was a Belgian Malinois from Belarus and completed her K-9 training in November 2018. Nyx was trained in narcotics detection, evidence recovery, human tracking, and apprehension, all on top of being Rockford's first female K-9, per the Jamie Cox Foundation.

Friends of Rockford Police K-9 Unit on Facebook has been steadfast in posting various pictures and tributes to Nyx, as well as this message accompanied by their new profile picture, a photo of the late Nyx:

The Friends of Rockford Police K-9 board members are shocked and saddened by this senseless act. Nyx was an amazing K9 officer and we have heavy hearts for her handler. - quote from Kathy Hansen, Friends of Rockford Police Board President, per Friends of Rockford Police K-9 Unit on Facebook

Police Chief Carla Redd said the Winnebago Boone County Integrity Task Force will handle the investigation into the shooting being that Rockford Police were involved. Charges have yet to be announced. Furthermore, Rep. John Cabello (Republican-Rockford), a former police officer, released a statement:

I’m beyond saddened to hear about the brave K9 officer from Rockford PD who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This incident is yet another reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers and their K9 partners face daily to keep our community safe. - Rep. John Cabello (Republican-Rockford), per MyStateline.com

Read more about Nyx of the Rockford Police Department, being shot and killed this weekend on MyStateline.com. Hug your pets a little tighter tonight in the meantime.