A sheriff’s dog named Nike was recovering Sunday after being stabbed several times in the head while helping law enforcement make an arrest over the weekend in Escondido, a sheriff’s official said.
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The 6-year-old Belgian Malinois suffered two puncture wounds and five lacerations during the incident early Saturday morning, according to Sgt. Steven Curran from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office’s K-9 unit.
Curran said the injuries required about 10 stitches, and Nike was released to recover at home with his deputy handler. Sheriff’s officials are hopeful Nike will make a full recovery.
The violent incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. Saturday when Escondido police officers requested support from Nike and his handler for an active burglary at a business on South Orange Street near West Grand Avenue, Curran said. The 35-year-old burglary suspect was allegedly wielding a large stick, throwing objects and threatening police officers.
After the man allegedly refused to surrender, Nike’s deputy handler deployed him to help subdue the man, Curran said. Before deputies and officers moved in to arrest him, the man allegedly stabbed Nike several times in the face and head. Curran did not say what kind of weapon was used.
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Nike’s handler rushed him to Veterinary Specialty Hospital of North County in nearby San Marcos for emergency treatment, Curran said.
“Thankfully, Nike was released from the veterinary care center (Saturday) morning,” Curran said in a statement, noting that Nike has worked as a sheriff’s dog for nearly two years. “He’s a tough pup with a passion for his work.”
Deputies and officers arrested the man who allegedly injured Nike on suspicion of charges that include injuring a police dog, resisting arrest, second-degree burglary, vandalism and exhibiting a deadly weapon. He remained jailed Sunday afternoon in lieu of $85,000 bail at the Vista Detention Center.
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