Police K-9 shot, killed on last shift before retirement during deadly officer-involved shooting

PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - A murder suspect and a police K-9 were killed Thursday when U.S. Marshals tried to make an arrest near a Portland, Oregon, hotel, law enforcement said.

According to the Gresham Police Department, the investigation began around 7 a.m. Thursday when officers were sent to a welfare check at a Southeast Market Street home near Southeast 182nd Avenue. Police found a person dead inside their home and determined the individual, who was not immediately identified publicly, had been killed.

Gresham detectives then identified a suspect. Shortly before noon, he was spotted near Southeast Pine Street and Southeast 99th Avenue in Portland.

Gresham officers asked for help from the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force and other local agencies to arrest the suspect.

According to the Portland Police Bureau, the attempted arrest happened around 1:45 p.m. near the Chestnut Tree Inn at Southeast 97th Avenue and Southeast Oak Street.

According to Gresham police, the man tried to run from authorities and “an officer-involved shooting occurred.”

Police said two Portland officers and two from “other agencies” were involved and are now on paid leave.

The suspect, who police have not named, was hit with gunfire. Despite lifesaving efforts, he died at the scene, Portland police said. Police also said they found a gun nearby.

Police Chief Bob Day said the U.S. Marshals’ presence in Portland was not related to immigration enforcement, but is part of the federal government’s help with combating violent crime.

A guest staying at the Ramada, a hotel across the street from the Chestnut Tree, said they heard 20 to 30 gunshots.

During the gunfire, the Portland Police Bureau K-9 Kylo was also hit and injured. The police dog was rushed to veterinary medical care where he died.

Day said Kylo was set to retire after working for the bureau for six years, with this shift scheduled to be his last.

A police procession carried Kylo’s body from the emergency veterinarian to Oregon Humane’s Animal Crimes Forensic Center.

Police said there was no ongoing danger to the community.

Homicide detectives are investigating the Portland shooting and asked anyone with information who has not already spoken with police to contact them.

The Gresham Police Department and East County Major Crimes Team are investigating the Gresham homicide.