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Brazoria County Deputy Shooting: K-9 'Rocky' shot by deputy killer expected to survive

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Published  January 16, 2025 9:51pm CST
Crime and Public Safety
FOX 26 Houston

U.S. Marshal K-9 "Rocky" still recovering after shooting

"Rocky" is still recovering after being shot in the line of duty on Wednesday during a manhunt for a deputy's killer. But there is some good news regarding his condition.

The Brief

    • Heroic Actions: A K-9 officer played a crucial role in apprehending a suspect, despite being shot twice during the encounter.
    • Recovery in Progress: The injured K-9 is expected to make a full recovery, thanks to swift medical attention.
    • Strong Bond: The incident highlights the strong bond between K-9 officers and their canine partners, who often risk their lives in the line of duty.

HOUSTON - Good news for a K-9 deputy, "Rocky," who was injured after tracking down Robert Lee Davis III after Davis shot and killed Brazoria County Deputy Jesus Vargas. 

K-9 Deputy "Rocky" to make full recovery

What we know:

During an hours-long manhunt, Rocky tracked Davis to a dumpster and jumped in. While inside, Davis shot Rocky twice.  An officer then shot and killed Davis. 

Rocky was rushed to a helicopter that took him to Westbury animal hospital. He had a bullet wound on his snout and a bullet wound in his neck/jaw area that nearly hit his spine. 

But, miraculously, the vet says Rocky is expected to make a full recovery, saying he's walking and eating already. 

Rocky's handler didn't leave his side all night. 

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What they're saying:

"He's the luckiest dog I've seen. I don't know if you call that luck or the hand of god, but that bullet could have killed him instantly, and it didn't," said Veterinarian Dr. Jeff Chalkley. "He's a hero, the dog is a hero."

"I don't think the public understands the bond the K-9 has with his officer," said Sidney Dozier, owner of Total Control K9 College. "I take my hat off to the officer, because I know he's hurting very, very bad. My dog saved my life twice. I saved his life twice, and he did some things that were incredible."

"When we do area searches, building searches, all the responsibility is with the dog. You have to have complete trust in your dog," said Dozier. "From what I heard, that dog did his job, 100%. And I take my hat off to the officer because it takes two. An officer and a dog make a team." 

The Source: FOX 26 Reporter Abigail Dye spoke with the veterinarian who saved the dog's life, as well as Sidney Dozier, owner of Total Control K-9 College. 

Crime and Public SafetyBrazoria CountyHoustonPolice Shooting