“(K-9) Rivan was violently and repeatedly stabbed and kicked by the inmates and later tragically died at the facility while VADOC staff attempted lifesaving measures,” the agency says
A Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) K-9 was killed Tuesday April 2 while “heroically protecting” staff and inmates at Sussex I State Prison during a gang attack, the agency says..
In a press release, VADOC said three inmates affiliated with the MS-13 gang who are housed at Sussex I State Prison attacked another inmate
Rivan was violently and repeatedly stabbed and kicked by the inmates and later tragically died at the facility while VADOC staff attempted lifesaving measures,” the agency says. “Officer Phillip Fields, a trained K-9 handler and 4-year veteran of the department, sustained no serious injuries due to her training and Rivan’s courageous actions.”
VADOC says the inmates involved in the incident are from El Salvador and Guatemala and three of them are “verified members of MS-13.” All four of the inmates are illegally in the United States. The inmates are incarcerated for several charges, including first degree homicide, attempted rape, kidnapping/abduction, malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, child pornography, grand larceny, and possession of a Schedule III Drug. VADOC said it intends to pursue prosecution of these inmates to the fullest extent of the law.
“The safety of our corrections team is our agency’s top priority,” said VADOC Director Chad Dotson. “Officer Phillip Fields has the agency’s full support during this difficult time and I personally wish her well in her recovery. The heroics she displayed during this brutal assault demonstrate her courage, her commitment to public safety, and her care for the safety of the inmate population. I thank her for her service to the Commonwealth.
Within one of the facility’s housing units. Corrections Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields and her assigned K-9 Rivan were on duty and working in the area at the time of the attack and responded