A U.S. Marshals Tactical Okay-9 who was critically injured whereas helping in a manhunt has been released from hospital.
The 18-month-old Belgian Malinois, named Rocky, was instrumental in finding an armed man accused of killing Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesus Vargas, who had hid himself inside a dumpster.
As officers approached, the suspect opened fireplace, hanging Rocky twice—as soon as within the neck and as soon as within the nostril.
Officers returned fireplace, hitting the suspect a number of instances. He was pronounced lifeless on the scene.
Following the confrontation, officers rushed Rocky to a Texas DPS helicopter ready close by, which transported him to Westbury Animal Hospital for emergency surgical procedure.
K9 Rocky is a tremendous canine. He took a bullet within the line of obligation whereas finding a killer. His actions saved lives. Sadly, Rocky is present process emergency surgical procedure, however is anticipated to outlive. He would make an superior selection for a White Home canine beneath Trump. https://t.co/FbAhUm4HIG
— Rukshan Fernando (@therealrukshan) January 16, 2025
The canine’s handler remained by his facet by means of the evening as veterinary workers labored to deal with his accidents.
A number of officers additionally visited the hospital to point out their help, acknowledging Rocky’s function in defending them in the course of the operation.
Regardless of his accidents, Rocky is exhibiting outstanding resilience. He’s already consuming, ingesting, and strolling once more, and he has been reunited along with his handler.
JUST IN: K9 Rocky, the courageous U.S. Marshals Service canine who was shot throughout a manhunt in Houston, Texas, has been launched from the hospital and is anticipated to make a full restoration. pic.twitter.com/jY4ob8QVJX
— LivePDDave (@LivePDDave1) January 18, 2025
Officers count on him to make a full restoration and return to energetic obligation within the close to future.
Rocky, who has been in service for under six months, is being hailed as a hero by regulation enforcement for his braveness and life-saving actions throughout a harmful operation.
“We’re all extraordinarily grateful to the workers at Westbury for the truth that Rocky remains to be with us,” stated T. Michael O’Connor, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Texas.
“Whereas Wednesday was a tragedy for all of us in regulation enforcement with the lack of Deputy Vargas, it doubtless might have gone worse had Rocky not been there.”
“He’s a hero. All of us want him a speedy restoration.”
K9 Rocky sitting proudly along with his Westbury Hospital veterinary pals that saved his life! ❤️ @WestburyVets THANK YOU!
He was launched yesterday to go house to relaxation & additional get well. pic.twitter.com/6rHckLL73n
— ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) January 18, 2025
