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A police dog in Fresno, California managed to save his handler’s life and survive multiple stabbings from an alleged violent suspect.
The incident happened as police were trying to detain Carlos Castanos last Saturday, April 10, for allegedly holding a woman against her will, Lt. Tim Tietjen told The Fresno Bee on the same day. The K-9 named Argo was attacked when he and his handler chased down Castanos in his attempt to escape.
Tietjen said that as officers started surrounding the home where Castanos held the woman, the suspect suddenly ran to the back of the house and jumped a fence, where he ran into Argo and his handler. The officer ordered Castanos to stop, but the suspect continued to run away.
Argo and the officer chased down the suspect, and the dog managed to grab him by his left arm. Castanos pulled out a knife and stabbed the dog six times, the report said. He also allegedly tried to stab officers with the same knife, but was eventually tased and arrested.
Unfortunately, the K-9 was also attacked by a random pitbull as the suspect was stabbing him, leaving behind wounds on his back and left eye.
“The K-9 saved the officer’s life. If the K-9 wasn’t present, that guy would’ve been able to move towards the officer and stabbed [him]. They were in close proximity,” Tietjen was quoted as saying.
The local police’s K-9 department released a statement through their official Facebook page today, Apil 12, commending Argo and the responding officer for their immediate response. The department also stated that the dog was transported to a local veterinarian for surgery and is currently resting and recovering.
Meanwhile, Castanos is being held on a charge of assault on a police officer and was served warrants related to burglary, evading a police officer and domestic violence. Dana Cruz/JB
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