The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety says one of its K-9s was stabbed Tuesday evening while helping arrest a suspect.
KDPS told FOX 17 the initial incident happened in the 900 block of W. Kalamazoo Ave. just before 8 p.m. Tuesday when a man reportedly threatened to stab others while carrying a knife.
We’re told officers arrived to find the 49-year-old man wielding a box cutter. He directed his threats toward officers and failed to drop the knife when instructed.
The man moved toward officers when K-9 Sledge arrived, public safety officials explain. The suspect continued to ignore commands as he turned his attention toward Sledge and his handler.
It was at this point when KDPS says Sledge was deployed to protect the officers and citizens. The suspect was captured but Sledge was stabbed multiple times in the throat.
The suspect was hospitalized for wounds received from Sledge, authorities say. Sledge was taken to an Animal Emergency Hospital in Byron Center.
We’re told Sledge’s jugular vein was lacerated, contributing to a 40% blood loss. Fortunately, he is expected to recover and has since been released. He will continue his recovery at home with his handler.