Heartbreaking moment Texas cops race to save K9 that was shot after sniffing out killer hiding in dumpster

News crew captured the dramatic moment Texas police rushed to save a K9 officer named Rocky who was shot by a cop killer hiding in a dumpster.

Multiple law enforcement agencies worked together Wednesday to find the man who gunned down Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jesus Vargas earlier in the day.

Vargas was working with the U.S. Marshal’s Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force to serve a warrant for Sean Christopher Davis’ arrest when the suspect killed him.

Davis shot Vargas in the head when the deputy and his partner pulled the man over in a shopping center parking lot – before fleeing the scene and sparking a manhunt. 

The cop shooter was on the loose for six hours – until heroic US Marshals Service K9 Rocky discovered him hiding in a trash bin.

The pup – a year-and-a-half-old Belgian Malinois – alerted law enforcement to the dumpster several times, and when Rocky jumped into the bin, Davis shot the dog at least twice.

Deputies returned fire, resulting in a shootout that injured one other officer and ultimately killed Davis.

KHOU crews were at the scene and caught the heartbreaking moments officers carried the injured dog to a DPS helicopter.

Several officers carried the bloodied K9 into a cleared area of the parking lot and tended to his wounds while others flagged down the chopper.

Rocky was rushed to the Westbury Veterinary Hospital for treatment. The dog is in stable condition and expected to survive.

The Marshals Service said Rocky’s handler will stay by his side until he is discharged. 

‘Whether be it bombs, be it drugs, you name it, saving lives, those dogs are amazing. They’re a part of us, they’re an absolute benefit to the community,’ Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz said.

‘The amazing aspect here that people have to understand the K-9 saved lives,’ said Chief T. Michael O’Connor with the US Marshals. ‘When the K-9 went in there, [Davis] decided to take the dog out.’

Vargas, a 17-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, was serving Davis on an aggravated sexual assault charge when he was killed. 

‘He was a dedicated public servant, known for his integrity, compassion, and commitment to our community,’ the sheriff’s office said.

‘He was more than a team member—he was a friend, mentor, and inspiration to everyone who knew him. His professionalism and kind nature left a lasting impact on our office and the residents he served.’

O’Connor said he commissioned Vargas as a special U.S. deputy marshal about a year ago.

‘I think he was one of our first ones from Brazoria County, and everybody was elated that he was able to have this opportunity,’ he said.

‘So, we made that happen and he has done tremendous in assisting the task force members.’