Boerne canine Chico killed in line of duty

A Boerne Police Department canine was killed in the line of duty Thursday during a traffic stop along Interstate 10.

“We are heartbroken by this loss. K-9 Chico was a valued member of the department since November 2023,” Boerne Police Chief Steve Perez said. “He was a loyal and courageous partner who served our department and community with honor, pride, and dedication.”

Shortly after midnight, a Boerne officer initiated a traffic stop in the parking lot of a gas station at the Johns Road and Interstate 10 intersection.

The officer requested assistance from a police K-9. Another officer responded to the scene with K-9 Chico, and the officer deployed Chico from his patrol vehicle.

Chico conducted a sniff of the suspect vehicle and gave a positive alert for narcotics. Following the alert, Chico’s handler secured him inside the patrol vehicle and assisted with a search.

As the pair began to leave the scene, the door of the patrol vehicle unexpectedly opened when the locking mechanism on the vehicle did not properly latch. Chico exited the vehicle and ran toward the interstate.

Officers immediately began searching the area to locate and recover the canine. A short time later, Chico was found in the grassy median of the interstate, having been struck by a vehicle.

He succumbed to his injuries shortly after being located.

During his time with the department, Chico was active in the community and was used for demonstrations and other community events.

City officials join the entire police department in mourning the loss.

“Our hearts are with the officer, his family and everyone affected by this tragedy as we mourn this loss alongside the community,” a release stated Thursday.

A table will be set up in the lobby of the Boerne Police Department where community members can leave cards or written messages in memory of K-9 Chico.

Additional information will be shared in the coming days.

In lieu of flowers or physical donations, the department asks that contributions be made to the Boerne Police Foundation in memory of K-9 Chico.