‘The Luckiest Dog’: K-9 Recovering After Being Shot While Catching Murder Suspect

Deputy K-9 Rocky is being hailed as a hero after a dramatic showdown in Houston, Texas. The courageous police dog was shot while tracking down the suspect who killed BCSO Deputy Jesus Vargas, leading to his emergency airlift to a nearby animal hospital.

Texas law enforcement was in pursuit of Sean Christopher Davis, the suspect responsible for Deputy Vargas’ death. K-9 Rocky joined the manhunt and located Davis hiding in a dumpster in a shopping complex’s parking lot. During the confrontation, Rocky jumped into the dumpster and was shot three times. Police subsequently shot and killed Davis.

Officers quickly rushed Rocky onto a Texas DPS helicopter that had landed in the parking lot, airlifting him to Westbury Animal Hospital.

Rocky was immediately triaged, stabilized, and underwent surgery. He is now expected to make a full recovery. The vet described the 1.5-year-old Belgian Malinois as “the luckiest dog I’ve seen” during a press conference.

Rocky’s handler has remained by his side throughout his recovery, refusing to leave him. He said that K9 Rocky saved at least four lives. Deputy Marshalls reinforced this message telling reporters at a news conference that Rocky most definitely “saved lives.”

During that conference, the vet explained Rocky’s injuries and that he’s “looking good” and is eating and standing. K9 Rocky will be able to return to duty when he has fully healed.

Pupdate: Jan 20, 2025

Rocky has left the vet clinic and walked out looking strong. His recovery is incredible.