By Aviva Luttrell
MassLive.com, Springfield, Mass.
WORCESTER, Mass. — A Worcester police K-9 injured in the line of duty Saturday morning was helping apprehend a man on Foster Street when the suspect allegedly stabbed him in the head multiple times with a screwdriver.
The Worcester Police Department said officers were called to the area of 60 Foster St. around 9:30 a.m. for a report of a man threatening to stab bus drivers and light them on fire.
Upon arrival, police said they found the suspect crouched down behind shrubs. Authorities said he threatened to hurt police and ignored commands to come out of the bushes.
K-9 Officer Dan Pennellatore was called to the scene with his K-9 partner, Beebs. Authorities said the suspect continued to threaten police, and Beebs was released to help apprehend him.
During the incident, police said the suspect stabbed Beebs multiple times in the head with a screwdriver.
Officers were able to remove the man and place him into custody. He has not been publicly identified by police.
Beebs suffered a cut to his mouth and several wounds to the head with swelling. He was rushed to a local animal hospital and has since been released.
Authorities said Beebs will continue the recovery process with treatment at home, along with follow-up veterinary appointments.
Beebs is a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois. He has been with the department for 2 1/2 years.
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