Alaska State Troopers, Alaska
End of Watch: Sunday, March 26, 2017
Age: 3
Tour of Duty: 6 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 26, 2017
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
K9 Rico was shot and killed while attempting an apprehension of a suspect following a pursuit in Wasilla.
The driver of the vehicle led troopers on a 45-minute pursuit after they attempted to stop him for traffic violations. The subject had several outstanding warrants.
Troopers were able to disable the vehicle with spike strips near mile 45 on Parks Highway. K9 Rico was deployed when the man fled and refused to follow commands. The subject opened fire on Rico, killing him, before being shot and killed by the troopers.
K9 Rico had served with the Alaska State Troopers for only six months.