The deceased killer of Tucson Police K9 Ivan, has been identified as 53-year old Fernando Velarde-Loureiro. Velarde-Loureiro shot and killed the dog and was then shot a killed by Tucson Police when he failed to heed demands to drop his gun.
On December 12, 2012 at about 10:47 p.m., Tucson Police Department officers responded to the Domino’s Pizza located at 5460 East Speedway in reference to a report of a carjacking. The victim told 911 that a male suspect had taken his vehicle and wallet at gunpoint.
A description of the vehicle was quickly broadcast to responding units. Moments later, an officer spotted the vehicle near the intersection of 5th Street and Alvernon Way. The officer activated his emergency equipment in an attempt to stop the vehicle. Velarde-Loureiro drove off at a high rate of speed at which time a pursuit was initiated with assistance from the Air Support Unit.
Velarde-Loureiro continued to evade police, ran red lights and drove onto oncoming traffic several times in order to pass vehicles ahead of him. The vehicle drove through the front yard of a residence in the 500 block of North Treat, causing extensive damage to a light pole, a wrought iron fence and landscape. The chase continued and ultimately ended in an alley located north of Second Street and east of Stewart Avenue.
Velarde-Loureiro ran away from the vehicle and several officers gave chase, including K9 Ivan. Velarde-Loureiro ran into the front yard of a residence in the 2900 block of East 2nd Street. With assistance from the Air Support Unit, the area was quickly contained.
Officer Chris Fenoglio and Ivan immediately began a scout of the area starting at the residence where Velarde-Loureiro was last seen. Velarde-Loureiro later emerged from the front porch of the residence brandishing a large caliber revolver, which was initially down at his side. Velarde-Loureiro then pointed the handgun to his head.
Ivan was released and bit the suspect on his left arm. The suspect turned the gun downward and shot Ivan once at close range. Velarde-Loureiro began to move again with the handgun in hand. Officers gave Velarde-Loureiro. repeated commands to drop the weapon however he refused to comply.
Officers Fenoglio, Matthew Merz, Jason Kerns and Jon Collamore all fired multiple shots at the suspect striking him numerous times.
Velarde-Loureiro was pronounced dead at the scene.
K9 Ivan was transported to Valley Animal Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries following extensive life saving measures.