A Portland Police Bureau K-9 was killed Thursday during an attempted arrest, and the timing has struck a nerve far beyond Oregon. Kylo, a six-year veteran of the bureau, was scheduled to retire after this shift. It was supposed to be his last day on the job.
The investigation began around 7 a.m. Thursday with a welfare check at a Gresham home, where a person was found dead. Detectives identified a suspect, who was spotted in Portland near Southeast Pine Street and Southeast 99th Avenue shortly before noon. Around 1:45 p.m., U.S. Marshals attempted to arrest him near the Chestnut Tree Inn. The suspect ran, an officer-involved shooting followed, and he died at the scene despite lifesaving efforts, according to police. Kylo was hit during the gunfire and died at a veterinary facility. Two Portland officers and two from other agencies are now on paid leave, and authorities say the federal task force presence was related to violent crime, not immigration enforcement.
For those of us on the Suncoast, working K-9s are a familiar sight, from sheriff’s office units to security at spring training games and beach patrols during snowbird season. These dogs are partners, and losing one on what should have been a celebration of service is a gut punch. What do you think is the right way to honor a K-9’s years of service?
