A barricaded suspect stabbed a Colorado Springs police dog multiple times Wednesday after law enforcement officials deployed the K9 to help subdue the man, authorities said.
The dog, K9 Roam, was in critical condition and undergoing surgery Wednesday evening after being stabbed in the head, neck and along its abdomen down into its left hind leg — a wound that necessitated the amputation of that leg, Dr. Abby Sticker said .
“We do feel like the next 24 hours are going to be pretty critical,” she said.
Thursday morning, the Police Foundation of Colorado Springs that Roam had undergone multiple surgeries and survived the night. “His handler says that he has lifted his head to look around some and has even wagged his tail a few times,” the organization wrote.
Officers from the Colorado Springs Police Department responded to a residence in the 7400 block of Gorgeted Quail Grove at 10:43 a.m. Wednesday on a report of a violation of a domestic-violence protection order, officials said.
There, they found a man — identified as 37-year-old Anthony Bryant — who had barricaded himself inside the home. Police deployed the department’s Tactical Enforcement Unit and K9 personnel in an attempt to apprehend the suspect.
During a confrontation, Bryant stabbed K9 Roam multiple times, police said. No officers were injured, and police used a Taser and chemical irritant to take Bryant into custody.
The dog was immediately transported to an emergency veterinary facility and Bryant is facing charges of attempting to kill a police service animal.
Should the dog die, El Paso County District Attorney Michael Allen said the suspect could be charged with a Class 4 felony and face prison time.
“The sacrifice these animals make is important to note,” Allen said at the news conference.
Colorado Springs police Chief Adrian Vasquez said his heart goes out to K9 Roam’s handler, whom he did not publicly identify.
“Officers who are part of the K9 team develop a special bond with their K9,” he said. “They aren’t just a partner, they’re buddies, they truly become buddies.”
