Portland Police Dog Dies on Final Shift Before Retirement

A police dog in Portland was shot and killed during his last shift before retirement while assisting in the search for a homicide suspect.

The incident occurred around 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, as reported by the Portland Police Bureau. Officers from Portland and outside agencies confronted the man, who was wanted, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, and a firearm was recovered by the officers.

The dog, named Kylo, was injured in the same shooting and later succumbed to his injuries at a veterinary hospital. The police have not disclosed whether the shots that killed Kylo were fired by the suspect or the responding officers. An internal review will assess the use of force and tactics during the incident.

The deceased suspect was identified as Jeff Thompson, a 60-year-old man connected to a homicide earlier that day in Gresham. Officers had responded to a welfare check and found Thompson shot inside his residence.

Detection efforts linked Thompson to the crime through recent public safety cameras installed at nearby Vance Park. The case was further supported by Motorola license plate readers, operated under Oregon Senate Bill 1516. The U.S. Marshals Service’s Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force took part in the arrest attempt, but the suspect fled as officers approached.

Kylo had been with the Portland Police Bureau for six years and was working his final shift before retirement when he was killed. This event marks the first incident since 2014 where a Portland police dog died in the line of duty.

During a news conference, Portland Police Chief Bob Day expressed that this loss hit close to home, noting, “It’s a solemn reminder of the real threats that our members face in our city every day.”

Portland Police Union President Sgt. Aaron Schmautz highlighted the significant impact of Kylo’s death on the police force, stating, “These dogs, they’re born, they’re bred, they’re raised to just help and serve and support community safety, and Kylo was there until the very last moment, and he died saving the lives of several police officers.”

As a tribute, officers saluted when Kylo’s flag-draped body was escorted into the Oregon Humane Society later that evening.

The homicide investigation is currently being conducted by Gresham police along with the East County Major Crimes Team.