Beloved police K-9 "Azi" and suspect fatally shot during barricade situation at McKinney hotel, authorities say
A beloved police K-9 named "Azi" and a suspect were fatally shot Thursday during a barricade situation at the Red Roof Inn on Highway 75 (North Central Expressway), authorities said.
Expressing sadness about the dog's passing, the Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA) was first to confirm an "officer-involved shooting" had occurred at the hotel at 1300 North Central Expressway.
"This K-9 wasn't just a partner — they were family, a protector, and a warrior who gave their life in the fight against crime," the TMPA said in a social media post. "Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest easy, K-9 hero. Your watch is over, but your legacy lives on."
According to the McKinney Police Department, officers responded to a reported shooting at the hotel around 2:45 p.m. Thursday and found a 52-year-old woman who had been shot in the upper body. She was taken to the hospital and remains in stable condition.
Police said the suspect, believed to have shot the woman, retreated to his hotel room. Negotiators made phone contact with him, during which he threatened to "shoot everyone."
About 30 minutes later, the suspect exited his room, yelled aggressively, and walked away from the officers. When officers deployed a K-9 to apprehend him, the suspect presented a firearm, police said.
Officers discharged their weapons, striking the suspect, who was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead. The K-9 was also fatally shot during the exchange of gunfire.
A line of officers formed outside an emergency veterinary clinic, where the K-9 was taken, just a few miles from the crime scene.
According to TMPA, the organization's Regional Attorney John Snider, with Gorsky Gilbert Snider Horn Rogers & Watsky LLP, "responded immediately to ensure the involved officer has full legal support, as we stand unwaveringly with McKinney PD during this tragic time."
The investigation has been handed over to the Texas Rangers, police said
