PORTLAND, Ore. â Portland Police Bureau K-9 Kylo died after being wounded during an officer-involved shooting in Southeast Portland on Thursday, September 24, 2026, bringing a tragic end to what was scheduled to be his final shift after six years of service.
Press Release: One Person and PPB K9 Deceased Following Officer-Involved Shooting in Hazelwood Neighborhood
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) September 25, 2026
Link: https://t.co/3wU4MMpi7A pic.twitter.com/CjlS8v09TA
The shooting happened during a multi-agency operation involving the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force and a wanted man in Portland’s Hazelwood neighborhood. The man was also killed, a firearm was recovered, and four law-enforcement officers were involved, according to preliminary information from Portland police.
Kylo was rushed to an animal hospital but died from his injuries. His death drew particular attention because September 24 had already been scheduled as his last shift with the Portland Police Bureau.
Gunfire erupts during multi-agency operation
The encounter began at approximately 1:45 p.m. near Southeast 97th Avenue and Southeast Oak Street, according to the Portland Police Bureau’s official account.
The U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force was working a case on behalf of the East County Major Crimes Team when officers encountered the wanted person. Police said shots were fired.
Officers attempted lifesaving measures, but the adult male was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators recovered a firearm. Authorities had not initially released the man’s identity, why he was wanted or a detailed account of the events immediately preceding the shooting.
Kylo was working his final scheduled shift
Kylo was injured during the shooting and transported for emergency veterinary treatment. Despite those efforts, he died from his injuries.
The timing made the loss especially significant for Kylo’s handlers and colleagues: September 24 was scheduled to be his final shift after six years serving the Portland community.
PPB said additional information about Kylo’s career and accomplishments would be released later. Police K-9s can assist officers with searches, suspect apprehensions and other operations where teams may encounter dangerous situations.
More than 40 emergency units respond
The shooting triggered a major emergency response around the Chestnut Tree Inn and Mall 205 area. Police described the situation as a “critical incident” and restricted access around the scene.
Oregon Public Broadcasting reported that more than 40 emergency units were present by about 3 p.m. A hotel employee told OPB the shooting occurred in the property’s parking lot, while PPB officially located the encounter around Southeast 97th Avenue and Southeast Oak Street.
The incident follows other cases where rapidly developing police encounters have required extensive investigations, including a police station shooting involving an injured officer and a shooting near Notre Dame that injured a police officer.
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Four law-enforcement officers were involved
Preliminary information indicates that two Portland Police Bureau officers and two officers from other agencies were involved in the shooting.
The two Portland officers were placed on paid administrative leave under bureau policy while the incident is investigated. Authorities had not initially identified the officers from the other agencies.
Questions remain over how Kylo was fatally wounded
A crucial part of the investigation is determining exactly how Kylo was fatally wounded.
PPB confirmed that Kylo was injured during the shooting and that investigators recovered a firearm near the deceased man. However, the initial official account does not establish who fired the round or rounds that struck Kylo.
It therefore remains premature to report as fact that the wanted man personally shot Kylo. Investigators have also not publicly provided a complete sequence showing who fired first, how many shots were discharged or the positions of the people involved.
Homicide Unit investigation underway
The Portland Police Bureau Homicide Unit is investigating. Police Chief Bob Day and Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez went to the scene, while Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and City Administrator Raymond C. Lee were briefed.
PPB said its use-of-force review will examine the initial response, resources requested, tactics used and actions following the shooting. The incident will also go before the Police Review Board, which includes community members as well as bureau and Independent Police Review representatives.
Key questions remain unanswered
Investigators have yet to publicly establish several important details, including the deceased man’s identity, why he was wanted, what triggered the gunfire and who fired the shot that struck Kylo.
Those questions matter because the information released immediately after an officer-involved shooting is preliminary and can change as investigators review witness accounts, firearms evidence and available video.
Anyone with information who has not already spoken with investigators can contact the PPB Homicide Unit at homicidetips@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 26-279642.
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