ESCONDIDO, Calif. — San Diego County Sheriff’s K-9 Nike is recovering at home after being stabbed several times in the face while helping officers arrest a burglary suspect in Escondido early Saturday morning.
Nike, a six-year-old Belgian Malinois, was called in by the Escondido Police Department shortly before 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 5 to assist with a burglary in progress at a business in the 100 block of South Orange Street.
Authorities said the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Eric Rodriguez, was carrying a large stick, throwing objects and threatening officers at the scene. Police dog warnings and commands to comply were issued before Nike was deployed to help take Rodriguez into custody.
During the confrontation, Rodriguez allegedly stabbed Nike several times in the face. Escondido police officers and sheriff’s deputies were able to restrain Rodriguez and place him under arrest.
Nike’s handler immediately took him to Veterinary Specialty Hospital of North County in San Marcos for emergency treatment. Veterinarians found five lacerations and two puncture wounds on the dog’s face. The injuries required about 10 stitches.
Nike was released from veterinary care and is now recovering at home with his deputy handler. The Sheriff’s Office said he has worked as a sheriff’s K-9 for nearly two years and is expected to need several weeks to recover.
The latest update gives a more positive outlook for the dog following the overnight emergency. Officials said they are hopeful Nike will make a full recovery.
Rodriguez was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on charges that include suspicion of injuring a working dog, resisting arrest, second-degree burglary and property vandalism.
The incident remains part of an active criminal case, and Rodriguez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
