Holly MatkinManitou Springs, CO – El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO) K9 Jinx was fatally shot in the line of duty late Monday night.
The series of events leading up to K9 Jinx’s death began at approximately 11 p.m. on April 11, when Manitou Springs Police Department (MSPD) officers and EPCSO deputies received a call for help at a business located in the 900-block of Manitou Avenue, KRDO reported.
The caller said a male suspect was threatening people with a firearm at that location, according to KDVR.
They responded to the scene and made contact with the suspect just before he opened fire on them, fatally wounding K9 Jinx, according to police.
Police returned fire, hitting the gunman, KDVR reported.
They immediately attempted to render life-saving aid, but the suspect succumbed to his wounds at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the shootout, KDVR reported.
They have all been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, as per protocol.
The Colorado Springs Police Department is handling the ongoing investigation.
The EPCSO confirmed K9 Jinx’s death in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
“The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is heartbroken to announce that K9 Jinx was killed in the line of duty last night,” the post read. “The loss of K9 Jinx cannot be put into words as his passing leaves a hole in our EPSO Family.”
K9 Jinx was 13 months old when he joined the EPCSO’s Narcotics and Apprehension Unit in 2020, KKTV reported.
“Our thoughts go out to his handler, his family, and the EPSO K9 Unit,” the department’s post read. “Good boy, Jinx. Rest easy.”
A long line of patrol vehicles participated in a procession through downtown Manitou Springs on Tuesday in K9 Jinx’s honor, KXRM reported.
We are heartbroken to announce that K9 Jinx was killed in the line of duty last night. The loss of K9 Jinx cannot be put into words as his passing leaves a hole in our EPSO Family. Our thoughts go out to his handler, his family, and the EPSO K9 Unit. Good boy, Jinx. #LoDD #EOW pic.twitter.com/ZcMYcqxSV4
— EPCSheriff (@EPCSheriff) April 12, 2022
K9 Jinx was killed in the line of duty last night during an officer-involved shooting. A procession for the fallen K9 hero begins at 9:30 this morning. pic.twitter.com/CW8IrUxd81
— Ashley Portillo (@AshleyPorteeyo) April 12, 2022
RIP. Colorado K9 Jinx was murdered when he was shot and killed while responding to a man threatening people call. STOP SHOOTING MY POLICE OFFICERS!!! #rip #hero #endofwatch #murdered #K9Jinx #ElPasoCountySheriffsOffice #k9 #lawenforcement #thinblueline #bluelivesmatter pic.twitter.com/QnEoNEiLTk
— Protecting the Blue (@protectingblue) April 12, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in the loss of K9 Jinx.
Sandy Malone
