WACO, TX — A young man from Waco has been indicted on federal firearm charges after a disturbing and violent encounter that left a beloved police K9 injured and ultimately forced into early retirement. Federal authorities have formally charged 18-year-old Darrin King for possessing an unregistered firearm equipped with a machine gun conversion device, a prohibited modification that drastically increases a weapon’s rate of fire and lethality.
The incident unfolded on the evening of May 28, when officers with the Waco Police Department responded to a civil disturbance call in a residential area. As law enforcement arrived at the scene, King allegedly opened fire as officers approached, striking K9 Andor, a specially trained police dog, in the line of duty. According to police, King used a firearm that had been illegally modified to function as a fully automatic weapon.
Thanks to protective ballistic gear worn by the K9, Andor survived the shooting. However, despite the lifesaving protection, the injuries he sustained were severe enough to necessitate medical retirement, ending his career in active service.
K9 Andor had served with distinction, assisting in dozens of operations involving drug interdiction, suspect apprehension, and community safety. Waco Police Chief Sheryl Victorian commended the bravery of the canine and expressed both sorrow and gratitude:
“K9 Andor is a hero. His actions helped protect our officers during a volatile and dangerous situation. We’re thankful he survived, but it is devastating that his service has come to an end due to such senseless violence.”
In addition to state-level charges, including aggravated assault on a public servant and injury to a service animal, Darrin King now faces serious federal consequences. He has been indicted on a charge of possession of a machine gun, a violation of the National Firearms Act, which prohibits the possession of fully automatic weapons and conversion devices without registration and proper licensing. If convicted, King could face up to 10 years in federal prison for the firearm offense alone.
The use of machine gun conversion devices—often referred to as “Glock switches” or “auto sears”—has drawn increasing concern from federal law enforcement agencies. These small, often 3D-printed or imported parts can turn semi-automatic pistols into illegal automatic weapons capable of firing multiple rounds with a single trigger pull, posing extreme risk to both the public and law enforcement.
King remains in custody at the McLennan County Jail, where he is being held on a combined bond exceeding $2.5 million. Federal prosecutors are working alongside local authorities to ensure that all aspects of the case are thoroughly addressed.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office released a statement underscoring the seriousness of the charges:
“Attacks against law enforcement—whether human or canine—will be met with the full weight of the law. The illegal possession and use of machine gun conversion devices represents an unacceptable and growing threat. We will aggressively prosecute those who traffic, possess, or deploy these devices.”
The incident has stirred strong reactions in the Waco community, where K9 Andor was well-known for his appearances at public safety events and school visits. A fundraiser is reportedly being organized by a local nonprofit to support the dog’s retirement care and honor his service.
Meanwhile, King is expected to make his initial appearance in federal court in the coming weeks. The investigation remains ongoing, with additional charges still possible depending on forensic analysis and witness testimony.
As the legal process moves forward, law enforcement agencies across Texas and the nation are renewing calls for tighter regulation and awareness surrounding the rise in illegal firearm modifications—especially those that turn everyday handguns into tools of mass harm.
