A K-9 was stabbed to death by members of the MS-13 gang while heroically protecting a correctional officer and another inmate during an attack at a Virginia prison, officials said.
Three inmates affiliated with the MS-13 gang at Sussex First State Prison violently attacked a fellow inmate in an apartment complex Tuesday while a fourth inmate watched. According to the Virginia Department of Corrections.
Correctional Officer Karmisia Phillip Fields and her assigned K-9 Liban were in the area and responded to the assault.
In the ensuing confrontation, the dog was “violently and repeatedly stabbed and kicked by the inmates,” VADOC said. He later died at the facility despite life-saving measures.
“While Livan’s death is truly tragic, it is important to remember that his death was not in vain,” VADOC Director Chad Dotson said in a statement. “He lost his life even though he could have saved the lives of two of his assigned officers and a prisoner. VADOC will never forget Livan’s sacrifice.”
The inmate who was attacked was taken to a local hospital for treatment, but was later returned to the prison.
Fields, a trained K-12 handler and four-year veteran of the department, escaped major injury thanks to his loyal partner.
All four inmates involved in the attack are from El Salvador and Guatemala, and at least three are confirmed members of the violent criminal organization MS-13, officials said.
They were all in the United States illegally at the time of their arrest and face a long list of charges, including first-degree murder, attempted rape, kidnapping/kidnapping, malicious wounding, use of a firearm for the purpose of a felony, and child pornography charges. Facing list. , grand larceny and drug possession.
They are expected to face additional charges after Tuesday’s attack. VADOC said the investigation is ongoing.
“The safety of our correctional teams is our agency’s top priority,” Dotson said. “Officer Phillip Fields has the full support of the agency during this difficult time and I personally wish her a speedy recovery. Her actions demonstrate her courage, commitment to public safety, and concern for the safety of inmates.”
Livan, who lives in Marinos, Belgium, would have turned 6 on April 30th. He joined VADOC in July 2019 and was certified.
The dog’s father worked as a police dog for a department in southwest Virginia, and his mother worked for the Secret Service.
A memorial service for Rivan is being prepared.
