By Brittny Mejia
Los Angeles Times
PASADENA, Calif. — A Pasadena police dog is recovering at home after being injured by a burglary suspect in the city on Christmas Day.
The suspect, who police said threw a metal object that slashed the 2-year-old dog’s snout, was arrested on suspicion of burglary and injuring a peace officer’s animal.
Officers responded to a call around noon Monday about a man attempting to break into the 99 Cents Only store at 1720 E. Colorado Blvd., according to Lt. Edgar Sanchez .
When officers arrived, Sanchez said, they noticed that the rear glass door was shattered and they heard the suspect attempting to open a metal roll-up door from the inside.
There were “multiple” announcements for the man to exit, Sanchez said, “but the suspect refused to come out.” A Pasadena K-9 Unit responded around 1:30 p.m. and later found the suspect in a large storage room.
When the suspect still refused to exit, the K-9, a Dutch shepherd named Rex, was deployed. Sanchez said the suspect began throwing objects at the dog, resulting in a 2-inch-long laceration to his snout.
The suspect, Jose Soto, a 45-year-old Pasadena resident, surrendered to police soon after, Sanchez said. He added that Soto — who is in jail awaiting charges — was not bitten or injured during the incident.
Rex was taken for treatment to a veterinary hospital, where he received stitches. He is now home with his handler.
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