HPD police dog stabbed by robbery suspect with butcher knife is out of surgery, officers say

HOUSTON – A Houston police dog was stabbed by a man during a reported robbery west of downtown Houston, officials said on Saturday.

“He’s a very valued member to the team. He’s done great work, so obviously we’re all very concerned for him,” HPD Executive Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite said.

Shortly before 8 a.m., Nate, a Belgian Malinois, was on duty with K-9 Houston Police Department officers following a report of a man apparently carjacking two other men in the 900 block of Memorial Heights Drive.

According to police, the man later made his way to H-E-B on Washington Avenue where he reportedly stole a phone charger.

Once officers found the suspect, they established a perimeter at an apartment complex on I-10 and Yale Street.

“He manage to jump buildings, apartment complex parking garages and made his way back out onto a street,” Satterwhite said. “And that’s where our K-9 officer and other officers found him again and there was a foot chase.”

When the man was able to escape the garage, a K-9 officer released Nate to engage in an on-foot pursuit, according to HPD.

At some point, officers heard a loud yelp from Nate, before finding him on the ground.

“Our suspect was holding a large butcher knife,” Satterwhite said. “Something you would normally see in the kitchen in an upward raise motion, and apparently, had just stabbed Nate, our K-9 dog.”

Nate was scooped up by his partner as he lost blood. He was rushed to an animal hospital in serious condition, police said.

“We are not out of the woods, but again, I want to thank the team at Vergi Animal Hospital because they’re doing everything they can to take care of him,” Satterwhite added.

The suspect was taken into custody and is expected to face charges for aggravated robbery, evading, and aggravated assault on a peace officer, according to HPD.

Nate has served with the department for three years and became a SWAT officer dog two years ago.

At last check, HPD officers said Nate was “out of surgery and resting well.”