Wisconsin man charged after shooting police K9 shot during traffic stop in Rockford
A man was charged after shooting a K9 officer during a traffic stop Saturday afternoon in Rockford, Illinois.
Vernon Frills, 38, of Madison, Wisconsin, was charged with attempted murder, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, aggravated discharge of a firearm toward a peace officer, armed violence, possession of a controlled substance, injuring a police K9, and obstruction.
Rockford police said a K9 officer conducted a traffic stop in the 1300 block of East State Street around 3:20 p.m. During which, a passenger in the vehicle, later identified as Frills, fled on foot.
As the officer and K9 pursued him, Frills fired shots in the direction of the officer and the K9, hitting the K9 twice, according to police.
Police said Frills was taken into custody and lodged in the County Jail with the assistance of additional officers.
It is unclear what led to the traffic stop.
The K9 was taken to an emergency vet with injuries to its shoulder and paw. The K9 will require surgery but is expected to recover.
No further information was available.
