COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Authorities in Colorado Springs have apprehended a suspect after a K9 officer suffered severe injuries during an altercation on Wednesday. 

The Colorado Springs Police Department received a call at approximately 10:43 a.m. on Wednesday regarding a violation of a domestic violence protection order at a residence on Gorgeted Quail Grove. 

Upon arrival, officers encountered an individual who had barricaded himself inside the house, refusing all attempts by the officers to negotiate a peaceful surrender. In response, the Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU), accompanied by K9 officer Roam, was brought in to manage the situation.

During the entry into the residence, Roam, his handler, and TEU officers confronted the suspect. It was during this encounter that Roam was stabbed several times. The injured K9 was quickly rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic, where he remained in critical condition by Wednesday evening. The treating veterinarian reported that due to the severity of the injuries, Roam’s left hind leg required amputation. 

On Thursday, police said Roam was still in critical condition but stable. 

Police said Roam was not wearing a stab-protective vest because he was only 18 months old. Police Chief Adrian Vasquez said K9s receive their vests when they are finished growing at 20 months.

No officers were injured. Police said the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Anthony Bryant, was struck with a chemical irritant and tased before he could be taken into custody. He faces charges of burglary, obstruction, resisting arrest and attempted felony aggravated cruelty to law enforcement animals. Additional charges are pending, police said. 

Police said because of the severity of the attack on Roam, the CSPD Homicide Unit is leading the investigation into the attempted killing of a police service animal.