Last Wednesday evening, a Waco Police Department K9 officer named Andor was shot in the chest while on duty during a response to a domestic disturbance call. CBS Austin reported that the incident occurred at approximately 6:50 p.m. in the 2700 block of Homan Avenue after a caller alerted the police that a man was threatening to shoot her husband.
Upon arrival, officers attempted to locate the suspect, with K9 Andor and his handler searching a nearby residence. According to police, it was there that the K9 approached the suspect's hiding spot and was subsequently shot in the chest. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Darrin King, was arrested and has been charged with multiple felonies, including six counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, interference with police service animals, and possession of a prohibited weapon.
KWTX further revealed that King, a "documented Waco gang member," used a handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device during the altercation. The K-9 officer Andor sustained two gunshot wounds to the chest and was swiftly taken to an emergency animal hospital. The canine officer was then airlifted to an advanced medical facility for further treatment. As of now, King is being held without bond at the McLennan County Jail and faces additional charges, including evading arrest or detention and resisting arrest.
Details on Andor's condition following the incident have been closely followed by the community, with many expressing concern for the K9 officer’s well-being. The latest update reports that Andor is stable but emphasizes the gravity of the violence that took place against a member of the local law enforcement team. Police have condemned the use of such a deadly and illegal weapon modification in the perpetration of violence against both an animal and the broader community it serves.
