PORTLAND, Ore. — A routine operation by a regional task force ended in tragedy Thursday afternoon when a shootout at a Southeast Portland hotel left both a wanted suspect and a veteran police K-9 dead.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. at the Chestnut Tree Inn, located near the corner of Southeast 97th Avenue and Stark Street. According to Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Mike Benner, a multi-agency Violent Offenders Task Force—comprised of members from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Gresham Police Department, and the Multnomah and Clackamas county sheriff’s offices—had tracked the suspect to the location as part of a pre-planned operation.
The encounter quickly escalated into gunfire in the hotel parking lot, leaving both the suspect and the police dog, Kylo, mortally wounded. Kylo, who had served the bureau for six years, was rushed to two separate veterinary clinics in a desperate attempt to save his life, but he succumbed to his injuries.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day appeared visibly shaken during a press conference later in the day, fighting back tears as he addressed the loss. He noted that Thursday was intended to be a day of celebration for the department, as it was slated to be Kylo’s final shift before his retirement.
“To watch them work is really a thing of beauty,” Day said. “They’re part of our family. And they fill a role that is so critical for the safety of our officers but also the safety of our community. Really, just grateful for Kylo’s service.”
Benner described the mood within the bureau as one of deep mourning. “Our members are reeling over that. They’re also reeling over the loss of a human life,” he told reporters. “You hear Chief Day talk about the sanctity of life all the time. But as far as our K-9? Heavy hearts.”
Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased suspect, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. While police confirmed the individual was wanted on a felony warrant, they provided no further details regarding the nature of the underlying charges.
As per standard protocol following an officer-involved shooting, two Portland police officers and two officers from other partner agencies have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is reviewed.
The scene of the shooting remained cordoned off by police tape for several hours on Thursday as investigators canvassed the area. Local residents and hotel guests expressed shock at the sudden burst of violence. Ryan Kowal, who lives in a neighboring hotel, said he witnessed the massive emergency response following the sound of gunfire. “Honestly, it’s a shocker,” Kowal said. “It’s not something you expect to see during the daytime.”
The last time the Portland Police Bureau lost a K-9 in the line of duty was nearly two decades ago, when a 3-year-old German shepherd named Mick was killed while tracking a burglary suspect.
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