U.S. Marshals K-9 Rocky Released from Hospital

Houston, TX – The U.S. Marshals Tactical K-9 who was shot multiple times by the suspect wanted in Wednesday’s shooting death of Brazoria County Sheriff’s deputy Jesus Vargas has been released from the hospital.

The K-9 alerted officers to a dumpster in which the suspect hid after shooting Vargas. The suspect shot the dog twice, hitting him in the neck and the nose. Law enforcement fired at the suspect, striking him multiple times, and he died at the scene.

After the shooting, multiple law enforcement officers rushed the K-9 to a waiting Texas DPS helicopter to be taken to Westbury Animal Hospital where he underwent surgery to treat his injuries.

Rocky's handler stayed by his side throughout the night, and several other officers also came to the hospital to check on the K-9 many credit with saving their lives.  

Rocky, an 18-month-old Belgian Malinois who has been on the job for six months, is already up and walking, eating and drinking. Now back with his handler, he is expected to make a full recovery and return to the job in the near future.

“We are all extremely grateful to the staff at Westbury for the fact that Rocky is still with us,” said T. Michael O’Connor, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Texas.  “While Wednesday was a tragedy for all of us in law enforcement with the loss of Deputy Vargas, it likely could have gone worse had Rocky not been there. He is a hero. We all wish him a speedy recovery.”

The U.S. Marshals Service Canine (K9) Operations program provides dedicated protective, investigative, and enforcement K9 support to U.S. Marshals Service missions.

Link to imagery: TK9 Rocky