By Gina Yarbrough
Escondido, CA–A San Diego County Sheriff’s K-9 is recuperating at home after sustaining multiple facial stab wounds during the arrest of a commercial burglary suspect early Saturday morning in Escondido, authorities said.
Escondido police officers called for assistance from the Sheriff’s K-9 Unit while responding to an active burglary, just before 12:30 a.m., at a business located in the 100 block of South Orange Street.
Authorities identified the suspect as 35-year-old Eric Rodriguez, who was reportedly armed with a large stick, hurling items, and threatening responding officers.
Despite repeated warnings and commands to surrender, Rodriguez refused to comply and continued his aggressive behavior, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s K-9 Nike, a six-year-old Belgian Malinois, was deployed in an effort to take Rodriguez into custody. During the confrontation, Rodriguez allegedly stabbed Nike several times in the face.
Escondido police officers and Sheriff’s deputies quickly restrained Rodriguez and took him into custody.
Nike was immediately transported by his deputy handler to Veterinary Specialty Hospital of North County in San Marcos, where veterinarians treated his injuries.
Veterinary staff determined that Nike had suffered five lacerations to his face and two puncture wounds. He required approximately 10 stitches.
Nike was released from veterinary care early Sunday morning and is now recovering at home with his deputy handler.
The Sheriff’s Office said Nike has served as a Sheriff’s K-9 for nearly two years and described him as a determined working dog with a strong drive to perform his duties.
“We are hopeful Nike will make a full recovery,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in a release.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office credited the quick response of the deputies and Escondido police officers, along with the veterinary team, for providing Nike with immediate emergency treatment.
Rodriguez was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on multiple charges, including injuring a working dog, resisting arrest, second-degree burglary and property vandalism.
The case remains under investigation.
