The Palm Beach County Sherriff's Office has named the suspect involved in the shootout that killed Cigo, a K-9 who "gave his life to save others."
The Christmas Eve shooting in Wellington occurred after PBSO received information that two suspects facing attempted murder charges were located at The Mall at Wellington Green.
A PBSO tactical team planned to arrest the suspects before they entered their vehicle at the mall's parking lot. As the suspects approached the middle of the parking lot, a team moved in and arrested Justin Vazquez without incident, PBSO said.
Giovany Ramos Alvarez, however, took off running and Cigo began chasing the suspect, according to police.
Cigo was shot multiple times by the fleeing suspect and later died of his injuries at a local animal hospital, police said. Two officers shot at and struck Ramos Alvarez, who remained in serious condition as of Tuesday morning.
"He did his job, giving his life to save and protect our own," PBSO Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said in a news conference.
Cigo was with his handler for about a year, according to PBSO.
"He gave his life to save others. He’s a good boy and he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace," PBSO said in a statement.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the officer-involved shooting, as per protocol.
