A horrifying incident in Waco, Texas, has led to an 18-year-old man facing serious federal charges after he allegedly shot a police K9 dog using a perilous Glock switch. The quick-thinking protective gear worn by the heroic animal, K9 Andor, proved to be the ultimate lifesaver, as his bulletproof vest and collar stopped the incoming rounds.
The dramatic confrontation unfolded on May 28, 2025, when Waco police officers responded to a domestic disturbance call. During the tense situation, suspect Darrin King, an 18-year-old resident of Waco, Texas, opened fire on police K9 Andor. The dog sustained three gunshot wounds, two to the neck and one to the chest. Miraculously, Andor survived the police dog shooting thanks to his bulletproof vest and collar, which each successfully intercepted a bullet. While Andor’s life was spared, the severity of his injuries has necessitated his medical retirement from service, though he is expected to maintain normal mobility for a fulfilling life.
Darrin King is now facing significant legal repercussions. Federally, he has been indicted for possessing an unregistered firearm, specifically the Glock switch. This small device, when attached to a handgun, converts it into a fully automatic weapon, effectively reclassifying it as a machine gun under the National Firearms Act. Such devices are strictly illegal under federal law due to their immense lethality and potential for widespread harm. If convicted of this federal charge, King could face up to 10 years in federal prison.
Beyond the federal charges, King is also confronting multiple state charges stemming from the same incident. These include aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, interference with a police service animal, and possession of a prohibited weapon. He is currently being held in McLennan County Jail, with his total bond set at more than $2.5 million. The investigation into this alarming case is a collaborative effort involving the Waco Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Houston office, highlighting the serious nature of the offenses. More details can be found in this Fox 7 Austin report.
The survival of K9 Andor underscores the critical importance of specialized protective gear for police K9s. Similar instances, such as K9 Kjeld in Compton in 2024 and K9 Gabo in Arkansas in 2019, have also demonstrated how bulletproof vests have been instrumental in saving the lives of service animals. Organizations like Vested Interest in K9s frequently provide such vital equipment, acknowledging the inherent dangers faced by these brave police K9s.
The increasing prevalence of Glock switches in violent crimes has become a major concern for law enforcement nationwide. Federal authorities, including the ATF and U.S. Attorney’s offices, have prioritized cracking down on the manufacturing, trafficking, and possession of these dangerous devices.
