According to the Winnebago County State Attorney’s office and the Rockford, Illinois, Police Department, a K-9 officer was shot and killed while chasing down a suspect. The suspect was shot and wounded by a police officer on the scene with that K-9.
The K-9 officer’s name was Nyx, and the incident stemmed from a domestic violence call that turned into a robbery and shooting that then later devolved into a police chase and officer-involved shooting that left Nyx killed and the suspect wounded.
The statement on the matter began by noting when the incident occurred and that the State’s Attorney must withhold judgment until the investigation has been completed. It said, “Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley and the Winnebago Boone County Integrity Task Force provide the following update on the officer involved shooting that occurred the afternoon of January 28, 2024. It is imperative that the community understand that the following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Task Force and the State’s Attorney’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed. Further, the State’s Attorney will, and must, reserve all judgment until the investigation is complete.”
Continuing, the statement turned to what happened and how a domestic violence call eventually led to Nyx’s death. It said, “On January 28, 2024, at approximately 1:46pm, Rockford Police Officers responded to a domestic violence call in the 3000 Block of Jacqueline Dr. Upon arrival, officers met with a victim who reported that she got into a verbal argument with Malik Trotter. Trotter subsequently left the apartment, with the victim’s phone. The victim also reported that her son heard three gunshots right before Trotter left the area.”
The incident then resumed later in the day, when the phone was tracked to a local street and the police alerted. They quickly respond and Nyx leapt into action: “A short time later, at approximately 3:15pm, the victim told police her phone was located via Life 360 at a business in the 2800 Block of 11″ Street. Rockford Police Officer Vargas and his K-9 Nyx responded and located Trotter who fled on foot. Officer Vargas and Nyx pursued Trotter over a fence where the K-9 quickly caught up to the suspect.”
Sadly, Nyx was shot after catching up to the suspect, who also opened fired on the police officer involved. That officer returned fire and wounded the suspect: “Before Officer Vargas was able to catch up to Trotter and his K-9, he heard three gunshots. As Officer Vargas got closer, he saw Nyx lying next to a residence with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. Officer Vargas located Trotter across the street. Trotter fired at Officer Vargas, who returned fire. Trotter fell to the ground with a gunshot wound to his leg.”
The officer placed the suspect into custody and rendered first aid, and sadly Nyx died of the gunshot wounds. The statement noted: “Officer Vargas approached Trotter, and placed him into custody. Trotter was given first aid at the scene until Rockford Fire arrived to transport him to the hospital. A short time later, it was confirmed that K-9 Nyx had succumbed to her injuries. After the officer involved shooting, and at the request of Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd, the Winnebago Boone County Integrity Task Force arrived on scene and took over the investigation.”
Local media station WREX reports that Nyx was an eight-year-old Belgian Malinois. Originally from Poland, Nyx was trained to help officers solve and respond to all manner of crimes, including evidence recovery, human tracking, and narcotics detection.
Speaking to WREX, the Board President of the Friends of Rockford Police K-9 Unit, Kathy Hansen, said, “When something like this happens, it touches the heart. Because you understand that it is such a sad loss, especially for the officers. Nyx was such a special dog and an amazing K-9 Officer.”
Hansen added, “These dogs are a significant part of our police force. They protect our community. They are important to get in places and do things that human beings can’t do. The community has shown so much support already. To support an organization like this is critical.”
Featured image credit: Rockford Illinois Police Department
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