A police dog was killed by illegal immigrant MS-13 gang members who stabbed and kicked the K-9 as he was trying to restore order amid a gang beating at a Virginia prison, according to authorities.
The Virginia Department of Corrections said Rivan, a Belgian Malinois who was to celebrate his 6th birthday later this month, helped save the lives of his handler, Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields, and the inmate who was the target of the MS-13 members’ wrath.
“The inmates involved in the malicious attack are from El Salvador and Guatemala and at least three are verified members of MS-13.
The Department has confirmed that all four of the inmates were in the United States illegally at the time of their arrest and conviction,” the department said in a statement Wednesday announcing Rivan’s death.
The attack took place Tuesday at Sussex I State Prison, southeast of Richmond.
Authorities said three inmates attacked another inmate in the cells. Another inmate appeared to be overseeing the attack.
Rivan and Officer Phillip Fields rushed to intervene and the inmates turned on the dog. Officer Phillip Fields and other officers restored order and they delivered first aid to Rivan but he did not survive.
“The loss of Rivan is truly tragic, but it is important to remember he did not die in vain,” said Chad Dotson, director of the department of corrections. “He lost his life while potentially saving the lives of two people, his assigned Officer and an inmate. The VADOC will never forget Rivan’s sacrifice.”
None of the inmates were named.
The inmate who was targeted for the attack was treated at a hospital and is back at the prison.
Authorities said they plan to pursue prosecution of the MS-13 attackers, who they said are already serving sentences for first-degree homicide, attempted rape, kidnapping, malicious wounding and child pornography, among other offenses.
The department said it plans a memorial service for Rivan at some point.