A police K-9 was tragically killed, and an armed suspect was shot dead, following a dramatic police standoff at a McKinney motel earlier this week.
The confrontation, which ended in a shootout after tense negotiations with the suspect, resulted in the death of the shooter and a K-9 hero.
“On behalf of the entire USPCA family, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the handler, family and friends of K9 Azi from the McKinney, Texas Police Department. K9 Azi and his handler are members of Region 20. K9 Azi was killed in the line of duty yesterday during a shootout. K9 Azi is a hero! He will be remembered forever as a hero. He undoubtedly saved lives yesterday,” the United States Police Canine Association wrote.
The incident unfolded at the Red Roof Inn on North Central Expressway just before 3 p.m. when McKinney police responded to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers found a 52-year-old woman who had been shot. The woman was rushed to the hospital, where she is now reported to be in stable condition, according to Fox 4 KDFW. Authorities have not yet provided details about how the victim is connected to the suspect.
After the shooting, the suspect barricaded himself inside his motel room, creating a standoff with police. A SWAT team was dispatched to the scene, and further negotiations with the suspect began shortly afterward. Authorities said the suspect made threatening statements during the standoff, declaring he would “shoot everyone.”
Police deployed K-9 Azi, a veteran police dog, to assist. However, the situation worsened as the K-9 approached the suspect’s room. Police said the armed suspect opened fire on officers, fatally wounding K-9 Azi.
The officers on the scene returned fire on the suspect. Paramedics transported the suspect to a local hospital, where doctors later pronounced him dead.
The McKinney Police Department held a somber procession for K-9 Azi outside a nearby veterinary clinic following the tragic loss. Officers stood in salute as the flag-draped gurney carrying the fallen K-9 was transported from the police vehicle into the clinic.
The Texas Rangers have taken over the ongoing investigation into the shooting.