ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – KRQE News 13 has learned the Albuquerque police dog that died in the line of duty last week was killed with friendly fire. “You know, our canines are here to save and preserve human life. They are here to preserve human life, both of suspects and officers. And this was a difficult situation like mayor said, you know, he did lose his life to friendly fire,” said Albuquerque Police Department Chief Harold Medina.
Chief Medina made that statement Friday morning during a fundraiser announcement honoring Rebel, the K-9 shot and killed at the Comfort Suites near the Albuquerque International Sunport on May 29. Police were trying to arrest 39-year-old Jorge Dominguez, who had fled from a SWAT standoff earlier in the week. Police said Dominguez, armed with a loaded gun, tried to flee again from the hotel when he was spotted, ran back into his room, and jumped out a window.
SWAT officers then deployed the rebel. Gunshots rang out at some point, and Rebel was hit. Dominguez was also killed. APD said while it’s still early in the investigation, they do not have any evidence at this point that Dominguez fired his gun. “As we get closer, we will be able to explain and show the specific dynamics that were occurring that day that really limited our officers and their response to this situation,” said Chief Medina.
To honor Rebel, the Sandia Peak Tramway will donate $1 from every ticket purchase to APD’s K-9 Unit. The city said those funds will go toward a new training facility near Daniel Webster Park. The facility will be named after K-9 Rebel.
