09/11/2026
HE WENT INTO A DANGEROUS BURGLARY ARREST TO PROTECT HIS HANDLER. HOURS LATER, K-9 NIKE CAME HOME WITH STITCHES ACROSS HIS FACE. 💔🐾
Just before 12:30 a.m. on September 5, Escondido Police asked the San Diego County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit for help with a burglary in progress on South Orange Street.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the suspect was carrying a large stick, throwing objects, and threatening officers. He continued refusing commands despite multiple K-9 warnings.
Nike, a six-year-old Belgian Malinois, was deployed to help make the arrest.
During the confrontation, authorities say the suspect stabbed Nike several times in the face before officers and deputies were able to restrain him and take him into custody.
Nike’s handler immediately rushed his injured partner to Veterinary Specialty Hospital of North County in San Marcos.
The injuries were serious.
Nike had five lacerations across his face and two puncture wounds. Veterinarians treated them with approximately 10 stitches.
Thankfully, Nike was stable enough to leave the hospital and return home with his handler. ❤️🐶
The six-year-old K-9 has been serving as a working dog for nearly two years, and he now faces several weeks of recovery.
Officials are hopeful he will make a full recovery.
The suspect was booked on multiple allegations, including injuring a working dog, resisting arrest, second-degree burglary, and vandalism.
Working K-9s are trained for situations most family dogs will never experience.
But when the danger is over, they still have to heal.
For now, Nike has a much quieter assignment.
Rest. Heal. And stay close to the handler who rushed to save him when his own shift suddenly became an emergency. 🐾❤️
Sending this brave K-9 a well-deserved belly rub and a smooth recovery. 🐕🦺❤️