Vancouver police dog recovering after being stabbed

K-9 Teak / Vancouver Police Department

A Vancouver Police K-9 was stabbed on Jan. 13 while on duty. The K-9, Teak, was in the process of tracking an armed robber when the incident occurred. Vancouver Police Department spokesman Randy Fincham spoke to The Vancouver Sun about the stabbing. Fincham confirmed that Teak underwent emergency neck surgery following the altercation.

According to the report, Teak and his partner, Constable Derrick Gibson were called to an Esso gas station to track a man who had attempted an armed robbery. Teak was able to track the suspect and bring him to the ground. But as Teak held the suspect for officers moving in to handcuff the man, the suspect begin to fight back.

Officers initially thought the man was punching Teak, but he was actually making slashing motions to try to cut the K-9 with a knife. The suspect, who was not identified beyond being a 20-year-old man, did inflict a least one cut to Teak's neck, which is what necessitated the surgery.

According to the report many off-duty officers went to the hospital to support Teak during his surgery. It is as yet unknown if Teak--who is nearly 8--will be able to return to his duties on the force.

The suspect "is expected to face charges of attempted robbery, assault of the police dog, and weapons charges," according to The Sun.