(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) A heart-wrenching viral video captured the exact moment a heroic K-9 was rushed to an emergency helicopter after being shot twice by an unhinged individual accused of killing a police officer in Texas on Wednesday.
The suspect, Sean Christopher Davis, had been involved in a violent shootout with police in Houston. Davis was wanted for the murder of Jesus Vargas, a deputy in the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, who had attempted to serve a warrant for Davis’s arrest earlier that day.
Davis had hidden in a shopping center following a standoff with police but was located by K-9 Rocky, a trained police dog. The suspect shot Rocky twice without mercy before officers rushed to the scene. This culminated with Davis being fatally shot by police.
WANTED IN THIS SHOOTING: Robert Lee Davis AKA Sean Christopher Davis, 56.
He is a black male, approx. 200 pounds, 5'10" & last seen wearing a blue Nike hoodie with white lettering, blue jeans & blue sneakers.
Anyone with information should call HPD or @CrimeStopHOU. https://t.co/YS1Vwr2pD8 pic.twitter.com/t6cvc1PP2t
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) January 15, 2025
After Rocky was shot, officers quickly rushed him to a helicopter operated by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The viral video showed five officers holding the injured K-9 as they ran toward the helicopter.
According to KHOU 11, the helicopter took off moments later and transported Rocky for emergency surgery. U.S. Marshal Chief T. Michael O’Connor announced in a press conference that Rocky would survive his injuries.
“The amazing aspect here that people have to understand, the K-9 saved lives,” O’Connor said in emotional remarks. “When the K-9 went in there, he decided to take the dog out.”
Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz echoed O’Connor’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of K-9s: “Whether be it bombs, be it drugs, you name it, saving lives, those dogs are amazing they’re a part of us, they’re an absolute benefit to the community.”
The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office paid tribute to Vargas in a Facebook post, thanking him for making the ultimate sacrifice to keep residents safe.
“He was more than a team member — he was a friend, mentor, and inspiration to everyone who knew him. His professionalism and kind nature left a lasting impact on our office and the residents he served,” the sheriff’s office said, according to KHOU 11.