Holly MatkinPerris, CA – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) K9 Rudy was killed in the line of duty on Friday while trying to apprehend a fugitive.
The incident began at approximately 4:45 p.m. on April 14, when the RCSO received a report about a man and a woman who were allegedly trespassing on the caller’s property, CNS reported.
RCSO Sergeant Wenndy Brito-Gonzalez said investigators determined the male suspect was a felon who had a warrant out for his arrest.
Deputies and K9 Rudy responded to the 22200-block of River Road and established a perimeter as they searched for the suspects, CNS reported.
K9 Rudy ultimately sniffed out the male suspect’s hiding spot, at which point the fugitive allegedly opened fire on the approaching deputies, Sgt. Brito-Gonzalez said.
The police K9 was stuck by the gunfire, CNS reported.
The gunman ignored the deputies’ commands to surrender and fled, according to investigators.
A RCSO aviation unit soon spotted both suspects running towards an occupied residence, CNS reported.
As deputies closed in on the duo, the male suspect allegedly pointed a gun at them.
That’s when the deputies opened fire, killing the armed man, CNS reported.
The female suspect was taken into custody pending further investigation.
The identities of the two suspects were not immediately released.
The deputies involved in the fatal shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues, as per protocol, CNS reported.
K9 Rudy was rushed to a veterinary hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
The RCSO announced the beloved Belgian Malinois’ death in a press release on Friday night.
“With great sorrow and a heavy heart, we announce the passing of K-9 Rudy,” the department said. “Rudy succumbed to injuries tonight sustained during the search for a wanted suspect.”
Just one month before his death, K9 Rudy won the first-place prize at the Las Vegas Metro Police K9 Trials competition, CNS reported.
With great sorrow and a heavy heart, we announce the passing of K-9 Rudy. Rudy succumbed to injuries tonight sustained during the search for a wanted suspect. pic.twitter.com/j9vcN94kJW
— Riverside County Sheriff (@RSO) April 15, 2023
Always remember: K9 Rudy, Riverside County Sheriff's Department, California https://t.co/HmkW3DJ0Tt pic.twitter.com/zAZ0SvXQzU
— National Fallen Officer Foundation (@nationalfof) April 17, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office in the loss of K9 Rudy.
