A Okay-9 was stabbed to dying by MS-13 gang members whereas heroically defending a corrections officer and one other inmate throughout an assault at a Virginia jail, officers mentioned.
Three inmates affiliated with the MS-13 gang at Sussex I State Jail viciously attacked a fellow prisoner in a housing unit on Tuesday whereas a fourth inmate supervised, in keeping with Virginia Division of Corrections.
Corrections Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields and her assigned Okay-9 Rivan have been within the space and responded to the assault.
Within the ensuing conflict, the canine “was violently and repeatedly stabbed and kicked by the inmates,” VADOC mentioned. He later died on the facility regardless of lifesaving measures.
“The lack of Rivan is really tragic, however it is very important keep in mind he didn’t die in useless.” VADOC Director Chad Dotson mentioned in a press release. “He misplaced his life whereas probably saving the lives of two individuals, his assigned Officer and an inmate. The VADOC will always remember Rivan’s sacrifice.”
The attacked inmate was taken to an area hospital for therapy and was later returned to the jail.
Fields, a skilled Okay-9 handler and 4-year veteran of the Division, sustained no critical harm because of his loyal accomplice.
All the 4 inmates concerned within the assault are from El Salvador and Guatemala and a minimum of three are confirmed members of the lethal MS-13 gang, officers mentioned.
They have been all within the US illegally on the time of their arrests, and are going through a laundry record of expenses together with first diploma murder, tried rape, kidnapping/abduction, malicious wounding, use of a firearm in fee of a felony, youngster pornography expenses, grand larceny and drug possession.
They’re anticipated to face further expenses after Tuesday’s assault. The investigation is ongoing, in keeping with the VADOC.
“The protection of our corrections workforce is our company’s high precedence,” Dotson mentioned. “Officer Phillip Fields has the company’s full help throughout this tough time and I personally want her nicely in her restoration. The heroics she displayed throughout this brutal assault display her braveness, her dedication to public security, and her look after the protection of the inmate inhabitants.”
Rivan, a Belgian Malinos, would have turned 6 on April 30. He joined and was licensed by the VADOC in July 2019.
The canine’s father labored as a police canine at a division in Southwest Virginia and his mom labored for the Secret Service.
A memorial service is being organized for Rivan.
