A police K-9 is reported to have been killed in the line of duty in north Mississippi.
It was confirmed that K-9 officer Floki was found fatally wounded at the Marshall County Correctional Facility on Thursday morning. The dog was discovered deceased by commander Josh Russell, who was about to bring the K-9 inside for food and water.
Prison officials believe Floki was shot Wednesday night while working the back perimeter of the prison to prevent illegal contraband from coming into the facility. Officials said Floki was patrolling along a secured strip of land between two perimeter fences when he was killed.
“It’s a shame to kill a defenseless dog who was doing his job to help us keep contraband out of the prison,” Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Burl Cain stated. “It’s just a shame to kill our dog.”
Floki was a 7-year-old multipurpose Dutch Shepherd used for tracking, narcotics detection, and other tasks. At this time, a $1,000 reward is being offered for the arrest and conviction of anyone behind the death of the K-9. Those convicted of killing a public service animal can be sentenced to up to five years in prison and be fined up to $5,000.
The public’s help is requested in this case. Anyone with relevant information linked to Floki’s death is asked to call (662) 252-7111.