A police dog was stabbed to death while defending an officer during an attack by members of the MS-13 gang at a state prison in Virginia, authorities said Wednesday.
“The K-9, named Livan, was accompanying correctional officer Carmisia Phillip Fields when three inmates attacked another inmate at Sussex 1 State Prison on Tuesday.” CBS News report. “The three inmates who attacked are members of the Virginia Department of Corrections’ MS-13 gang.” [VADOC] It appeared that another inmate was supervising him. ”
Officials said the inmates “violently stabbed and kicked Liban repeatedly” while he and Phillip Fields worked to “protect the inmate and restore order.” said.
Despite attempts to save him, Livan ultimately died from his injuries at the facility, according to the Department of Corrections. The dog was 5 years old and was due to turn 6 at the end of April, the report said. He had been part of the K-9 unit since 2019. Officials said they would hold a memorial service for the dog.
Officials said Phillip Fields was not seriously injured thanks to his training and “Mr. Liban’s courageous actions.”
According to reports, the inmate who was attacked was treated for his injuries at a hospital and transferred to the prison.
“The safety of our correctional teams is our agency’s top priority,” VADOC Director Chad Dotson said in a statement.
Officer Phillip Fields has the full support of the agency during this difficult time and I personally wish her a speedy recovery. … Livan’s death is truly tragic, but it is important to remember that his death was not in vain. He lost his life even though he could have saved the lives of two people: the police officer assigned to him and the prisoner. VADOC will never forget Rivan’s sacrifice.
Officials did not release the names of the inmates involved, but said they were from El Salvador and Guatemala and were in the United States illegally at the time of their arrest and conviction. The inmates are being held on charges including first-degree murder, attempted rape, kidnapping and child pornography, officials said. Three of the four men are known to be members of MS-13, officials said.
Officials said the Department of Corrections plans to “prosecute” those involved in the prison attack and that the investigation is ongoing.
