K-9’s leg amputated after being stabbed multiple times while trying to take suspect into custody

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) - Colorado police say a K-9 suffered critical injuries after being stabbed multiple times while taking a barricaded suspect into custody on Wednesday.

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, officers responded to a domestic violence protection order violation around 10:45 a.m. in east Colorado Springs.

Officers said a man had barricaded himself inside the home, so a tactical enforcement unit and K-9 were called in to assist.

Authorities said K-9 Roam and his handler, along with other law enforcement officers, entered the home and made contact with the suspect.

However, during this exchange, the man ended up stabbing the police dog multiple times. Police said Roam was critically injured and was rushed to an emergency veterinary facility for surgery.

The K-9’s rear left leg had to be amputated to control the bleeding, Roam’s handler shared in a social media post on Thursday.

Police said they had to use a chemical irritant and a Taser to ultimately take the barricaded man into custody.

A Fort Carson official later identified the suspect as Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Bryant, a service member assigned to 10th Special Forces Group.

He has reportedly served in the military for 16 years.

“We will continue to support the Colorado Springs Police Department and offer our sincere and heartfelt prayers to K-9 Roam and the entire CSPD family,” the Fort Carson official said.

Police said K-9s receive their stab-proof vests at 20 months old, and Roam was 18 months old at the time of the attack.

“We consider Roam part of our family,” Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez said.

Due to the severity of the attack on K-9 Roam, police said the homicide unit is investigating the attempted killing of a police service animal.

Dr. Abby Sticker, who works at the emergency facility Roam was taken to, said he remains at the hospital.

“I do feel that the next 24 hours are gonna be pretty critical to see if he’s able to pull through for this, and if we do pull through, probably going to expect multiple days in the hospital,” Sticker said.