January 16, 2025
The amazing aspect here that people have to understand, the K-9 saved lives.
Chief T. Michael O’Connor of the U.S. Marshals, referring to the K-9, named Rocky, that helped Houston authorities locate a suspect. The suspect, who shot and killed an officer earlier in the day, shot the K-9 but reports indicate Rocky should survive.
What To Know: On Wednesday, a suspect shot and killed a deputy as the deputy sought to serve a warrant for the suspect’s arrest. Six hours later, authorities found the suspect when K-9 Rocky alerted them of his location in a trash bin. Rocky was shot by the suspect in the subsequent shootout but is currently stable and credited as a hero in the case.
The officer shot by the suspect earlier in the day was Deputy Jesus Vargas. The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office described Vargas as “more than a team member — he was a friend, mentor, and inspiration to everyone who knew him. His professionalism and kind nature left a lasting impact on our office and the residents he served.”
Authorities shot and killed the suspect after he opened fire.
Read More: K-9 that located the suspect who killed a BCSO deputy was shot and wounded after alerting officers (KHOU)
HPD: Suspect shot, killed in trash bin after being found by K-9 hours after killing deputy (KHOU)
Image Credit: U.S. Marshals
by Emily Hooker, based in Texas
