California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California
End of Watch: Monday, March 25, 2013
Age: Not available
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Automobile crash
Date of Incident: March 25, 2013
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Sergeant Gilbert Cortez and K9 Mattie were killed in an automobile accident Route 79, near San Felipe Road, in San Diego County.
Sergeant Cortez was part of a convoy of state corrections K9 officers who were en route to inspect the La Cima Fire Camp in a rural part of the county. His marked vehicle veered off the roadway and overturned, killing K9 Mattie. Sergeant Cotez was transported to a local fire station but died before a helicopter could reach him.
K9 Mattie had served with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for 1-1/2 years.