Illinois K-9 dog Nyx fatally shot in the line of duty while chasing a suspect who fled from officers
ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS: An Illinois police K-9 dog was fatally shot in line of duty on Sunday, January 28, while chasing a suspect who fled from officers, authorities said, as per ABC 7 Chicago.
In a news release, the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office said that K-9 Nyx of the Rockford Police Department and her handler, Officer Vargas, located a suspect who was wanted in connection with an earlier domestic situation.
The suspect, identified as Malik Trotter, had gotten into an argument with a woman at an apartment and left with her phone, prosecutors said. The victim’s son then heard three gunshots before Trotter left the area.
Malik Trotter fled when Nyx and her handler Officer Vargas tried to stop him
When Nyx and Vargas tried to stop Trotter, the suspect fled and jumped a fence. The K-9 and officer chased after him, though Nyx caught up with Trotter first. Vargas heard three gunshots as he got closer and found Nyx lying next to a residence with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.
The officer then spotted Trotter across the street where authorities said the suspect opened fire. Vargas returned fire and struck Trotter in the leg before ultimately taking him into custody. Trotter was treated at the scene before paramedics rushed him to a hospital. Nyx, however, was pronounced dead a short time later.
What did the police department say after Nyx's tragic death?
"K-9 Nyx paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting this community," Chief of Police Carla Redd said in a statement, adding "I ask that you all keep K-9 Officer Vargas, the entire K-9 Unit, and Nyx in your thoughts and prayers. K-9 Nyx is family and we are truly thankful for her service to the Rockford Police Department."
On Tuesday, January 30, the department held a procession for Nyx, who had joined the department in 2018. Meanwhile, the Winnebago Boone Integrity Task Force is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Wisconsin babysitter arrested for killing pet dog in front of a four-year-old child she was watching
Meaww previously reported that a Wisconsin babysitter was arrested after she was accused of killing the family’s dog in front of the four-year-old child she was watching. She is accused of reportedly stabbing the small chihuahua and then placing a plastic bag over its head.
Kielee Sonnemann, 18, was taken into custody on Monday, January 29, and charged with one count of mistreatment of animals causing death using a dangerous weapon.
According to a press release from the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department, on Friday, January 26, deputies responded to a call regarding a family dog that was found deceased inside of a residence located in the Village of Sussex, which is about 20 miles northwest of Milwaukee.
The emergency responders, upon arriving at the scene, said they observed the deceased dog named "Batman" to have “injuries consistent with a stab wound.” Additionally, deputies said they observed that “a plastic bag had been placed over the dog’s head.”
“The family had a babysitter at the home on January 25 and suspected she had killed the dog, Batman, an eight-year-old Chihuahua,” the release stated. The babysitter, identified as Sonnemann, was subsequently interviewed by police and arrested for allegedly killing the animal.
“While the victims of this incident grieve the loss of a beloved family pet, the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department fully recognizes the severity of this crime,” Lt Nicholas Wenzel from the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department said in its news release.
