SANTA FE, N.M. — Santa Fe Police Department K-9 Ayke, who was at the center of several alleged biting incidents during his career, has officially retired from law enforcement service.
Police said Ayke completed his final day on duty Monday after the promotion of his handler, Sgt. Alejandro Arroyo.
Ayke joined the Santa Fe Police Department in April 2020 and served as part of the agency’s K-9 unit for more than six years.
The police dog drew public attention in March 2024, when video showed Ayke biting Officer Charles Ovalle while officers responded to a shooting investigation.
Ayke was also named in a lawsuit filed against the City of Santa Fe and the Santa Fe Police Department following a 2022 training exercise involving Damian Vigil.
According to the lawsuit, Vigil alleged he was asked to play the role of a suspect during a demonstration and was told the dog had been trained not to bite above the shoulders. The suit claims Ayke bit Vigil’s arm, pulled him to the ground and caused facial injuries that required extensive reconstructive surgery.
The lawsuit further alleged Ayke had been involved in a similar incident involving a suspect months before the training exercise.
A Santa Fe Police Department spokesperson said Ayke remained on full-duty status following the incidents.
With his law enforcement career now complete, police say Ayke will spend retirement “chasing squirrels and soaking up the sun.”
