CHICAGO (CBS) – The Illinois State Police are in mourning after one of their K9 officers died earlier this week.
State Police announced that K9 Officer Riggs died unexpectedly Tuesday of a heart condition.
According to the agency, Riggs graduated Canine Class 75 in the spring of 2017 with his original supervisor, District 11 Sergeant Jeremy Moyer.
He was 10 years old.
Riggs’ illustrious career is highlighted by the state police
K9 Officer Riggs served on the force for eight years.
During his career, he has seized 220 kilos of cocaine, 105 kilos of heroin, 131 kilos of methamphetamine, 2,032 kilos of illegal cannabis, 97 firearms and more than $5 million in US currency.
“Canine Riggs was a loyal, beloved partner and team member whose presence will be greatly missed.” The agency said. “Our prayers are with Sergeant Ent, his family and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside Riggs during his distinguished career.”
K9 Riggs experienced a near-death scare in October 2021 a Chicago murder suspect shot him during a confrontation with a Kenosha County sheriff’s deputy. He was hit in the forehead and suffered a skull fracture, but the bullet missed his brain.
