K-9 remembered in candlelight vigil, suspect is identified

Community remembers K-9 killed in officer-involved shooting

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KSWT, KECY) - A candlelight vigil took place Saturday night for Koki the K-9 who served 4 years with the El Mirage Police.

"The loss of Koki is no different than the loss of a Police Officer," said El Mirage Police Chief Paul Marzocca, in the statement.

"Today the El Mirage Police Department mourns Koki, we lost a brother last night."

The suspect has been identified as 38-year-old Joe Ruelas, initially wanted for Aggravated Assault charges.

Fox 10 reports officers attempted to arrest him on Friday Evening, but it resulted in a foot pursuit.

Ruelas ran from the scene with a gun in his possession.

Koki was sent in pursuit of Ruelas, but Ruelas shot the K-9, resulting in its death.

Officers retaliated with gunshots, but Ruelas managed to get away for a short time.

He was later found dead with a self-inflicted gun shot would.

The El Mirage Police Department continues to mourn the loss of Koki, the department's only K-9.