PORTLAND, Oregon — What was supposed to be the final shift of a six-year law-enforcement career ended in tragedy for Portland Police K-9 Kylo.
Kylo was killed Thursday afternoon during a deadly officer-involved shooting as U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement attempted to arrest a murder suspect in southeast Portland.
According to authorities, the investigation began early Thursday morning after Gresham police responded to a welfare check and discovered a person dead inside a home. Detectives identified a suspect and later located him in Portland.
The U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, along with local agencies, moved in to make the arrest around 1:45 p.m. near the Chestnut Tree Inn.
Police said the suspect attempted to flee, triggering an officer-involved shooting. The suspect was struck by gunfire and died at the scene. Investigators also recovered a firearm nearby.
During the exchange of gunfire, K-9 Kylo was also struck.
Officers rushed Kylo to a veterinary facility, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
There is an especially heartbreaking detail to Kylo’s story: Thursday was scheduled to be his final shift before retirement.
Kylo had served with the Portland Police Bureau for six years.
Instead of heading home to begin retirement, his final journey was a police procession transporting his body from the emergency veterinarian to Oregon Humane’s Animal Crimes Forensic Center.
A hotel guest near the scene told authorities they heard between 20 and 30 gunshots during the confrontation.
Four officers involved in the shooting — two Portland officers and two officers from other agencies — have been placed on paid leave while the incident is investigated, according to police.
The shooting remains under investigation by Portland homicide detectives, while the underlying homicide is being investigated by Gresham police and the East County Major Crimes Team.
Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
For those who work alongside law-enforcement K-9s, the loss goes far beyond that of a police animal. These dogs spend years training, working and building bonds with their handlers and fellow officers.
Kylo’s last shift was supposed to mark the beginning of his retirement.
Instead, it became a final act of service.
Rest easy, Kylo.
This story is based on reporting from WBRC/Gray News and information released by Portland and Gresham law enforcement agencies.