Police Dog Shot And Killed During Pursuit: Rockford Authorities

ROCKFORD, IL — A police dog in Rockford has died after she was shot in the line of duty Sunday, according to authorities.

K-9 Nyx and her handler were pursuing Malik Trotter shortly after 3 p.m. in the 2800 block of 11th Street in connection with a domestic incident, authorities said. The pair followed Trotter over a fence, with Nyx quickly catching up to Trotter, according to a news release from the Winnebago County state's attorney's office. Before her handler could reach them, he heard three shots, and, as he got closer, he saw Nyx had suffered gunshot wounds, the news release said.

Trotter then shot at the handler, who returned fire, and Trotter fell to the ground with a gunshot wound to his leg, according to the news release. He was placed into custody and taken to the hospital, the news release said. Nyx succumbed to her injuries and the Winnebago Boone County Integrity Task Force took over the investigation, according to the news release.

"K-9 Nyx paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting this community. I ask that you all keep K-9 Officer Vargas, the entire K-9 Unit, and Nyx in your thoughts and prayers," Chief of Police Carla Redd said in a social media post. "K-9 Nyx is family and we are truly thankful for her service to the Rockford Police Department.”