A Sheriff’s K-9 is recovering after getting stabbed in the face by a violent suspect in Escondido.
On Saturday, September 5, just before 12:30 a.m., a Sheriff’s K-9 Unit team was requested by the Escondido Police Department to assist with a burglary in-progress at a business in the 100 block of South Orange Street.
The suspect, later identified as Eric Rodriguez (DOB: 10/09/1990) was wielding a large stick, throwing objects and threatening Escondido Police Officers at the scene.
Rodriguez refused to comply with multiple police dog warning commands while wielding a weapon and actively engaging in a felony crime.
Sheriff’s K-9 Nike, a six-year-old Belgian Malinois, was deployed to arrest Rodriguez. During the incident, Nike was stabbed several times in the face by Rodriguez. Escondido Police Officers and Sheriff’s Deputies quickly restrained Rodriguez and took him into custody.
Nike’s Sheriff’s Deputy handler rushed him to Veterinary Specialty Hospital (VSH) of North County in San Marcos for emergency treatment. The veterinary staff found Nike had five lacerations on his face and two puncture wounds. He needed about ten stitches.
Thankfully, Nike was released from the veterinary care center early this morning. He’s a tough pup with a passion for his work. Nike, who has been a Sheriff’s K-9 for almost two years, is now healing at home with his deputy handler. We hope Nike makes a full recovery.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the quick work of Sheriff’s Deputies and Escondido Police Officers, as well as the team at Veterinary Specialty Hospital (VSH) of North County, in getting Nike the emergency care he needed.
Rodriguez was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on numerous charges, including injuring a working dog, resisting arrest, second degree burglary and property vandalism.
