KALAMAZOO, Mich. — 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 carrying a knife reportedly threatened to stab others.
Investigators say they arrived to find the 49-year-old man wielding a box cutter. They say he directed his threats toward officers and did not drop the knife when they told him to.
Public safety officials say the man moved toward the officers when K-9 Sledge arrived. That's when he turned his attention toward Sledge and his handler, and continued to ignore commands.
It was at this point when KDPS says Sledge was deployed to protect the officers and others nearby. The suspect was captured, but investigators say he stabbed Sledge 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.
**GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING: KDPS releases video of K-9 Sledge after stabbing**
Fortunately, he is expected to recover and has since been released. He will continue his recovery at home with his handler.
Investigators say the suspect was taken to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office. Now, the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office is reviewing several felony charges.
The department thanks the Animal Emergency Hospital for their staff's "outstanding care" in treating Sledge's injuries, as well as the Kent County Sheriff's Office and Michigan State Police for their assistance.
Those with knowledge related to the incident are encouraged to call KDPS at 269-337-8139 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.
