Police Mourn Loss of K9 Officer Shot and Killed Near Colorado Springs

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) is mourning the loss of Jinx, a K9 officer who was killed in the line of duty Monday (April 11) night.

FOX31 reports that the incident occurred in Manitou Springs when officers received reports about a man threatening civilians with a gun. Upon arrival, law enforcement located the suspect, who then opened fire and fatally shot Jinx.

Police returned fire and hit the suspect, who, despite medical efforts, died at the scene. Jinx's handler and other responders received no injuries.

"The loss of K9 Jinx cannot be put into words as his passing leaves a hole in our EPSO Family," said the EPSO in a Facebook post. "Our thoughts go out to his handler, his family, and the EPSO K9 Unit. Good boy, Jinx. Rest easy."

According to KKTV, Jinx began working in EPSO's narcotics and apprehension unit in 2020 when he was just over one year old. Law enforcement held a procession for Jinx on Tuesday (April 12) morning in Colorado Springs.

FOX31 reports that the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) will investigate the shooting. CBS4 noted that the involved officers are currently on paid administrative leave, which is "standard practice" for the EPSO.

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In February, the EPSO lost another K9 officer, Nash, to natural causes. Nash served the department with his partner Sergeant Bengford until his retirement in 2019.

See Northern Colorado's K9 officers in the gallery below.