“He Saved Lives Last Night,” APD Mourns Loss of Beloved K9 “Rebel”

Albuquerque –

The Albuquerque Police Department experienced it’s first line of duty death of one of their police service dogs on May 29th, 2025 during a tense SWAT situation. The PSD (Police Service Dog) K9 was named “Rebel” and he was handled by APD SWAT officer Chris Brito. Rebel had been with the department for over 7 years and had just turned 8 last week.

SWAT officers challenged the suspect at a local motel where a suspect was hiding and officers deployed Rebel, the police service dog. Rebel bit the suspect, causing him to fall to the ground. Rebel maintained hold of the suspect, and as officers approached, they observed the suspect had a firearm. Shots were fired, striking the suspect but sadly, Rebel was also struck during the shooting.

“He saved lives last night,” said APD Chief Staff Mike Hernandez, who was a longtime K9 handler and supervisor.

The police service dog, Rebel, was injured during the shootout and immediately taken to the vet but he did not survive his wounds. Rebel was pronounced deceased by the veterinarian.

ABQRAW has filmed and photographed Rebel in action at a few SWAT standoffs and this fur missile took his job very seriously and was credited with over 900 deployments during his career.

Out pouring of condolences poured into APD’s social media pages announcing Rebels death. APD’s Hernandez says there are plans being worked on for a proper memorial sendoff for Rebel.