San Diego sheriff’s K-9 injured in Escondido burglary arrest

A San Diego County sheriff’s K-9 named Nike was injured after being stabbed in the face during an arrest in Escondido on Saturday morning. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. when the Sheriff’s K-9 Unit was assisting the Escondido Police Department with an ongoing burglary at a local business.

Authorities stated that the suspect, 35-year-old Eric Rodriguez, resisted commands and threw objects at officers while armed with a large stick. When Nike, a six-year-old Belgian Malinois, was deployed to apprehend the suspect, Rodriguez stabbed the dog several times in the face. Nike sustained five facial lacerations and two puncture wounds, requiring approximately 10 stitches at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of North County.

Rodriguez was arrested and booked into the Vista Detention Facility on several charges, including injuring a working dog, resisting arrest, second-degree burglary, and property vandalism. Nike was released from veterinary care early Sunday morning and is recovering at home with his deputy handler.