Hurricane K-9 returns home after emergency care in St. George, Las Vegas
Dec 30, 2022, 7:47 AM | Updated: 3:03 pm
K9 Riko is pictured here with his partner Officer DeMille and the K-9 handlers from throughout Washington County. (Hurricane City Police Department/Facebook)
(Hurricane City Police Department/Facebook)
HURRICANE, Utah — K-9 officer Riko and his handler have returned home after the police dog was stabbed on Monday and received emergency care in St. George and Las Vegas.
The Hurricane City Police Department posted the update Thursday night, showing Riko with his partner Officer DeMille and the K-9 handlers from throughout Washington County.
“The support is unreal!” Officer DeMille said. “Riko is home and doing great. Because of Riko’s crazy determination and strength, the doctors are hopeful for a full recovery. Words can’t explain how grateful I am for all of the amazing care Riko received. The (Veterinary Emergency + Critical Care) in Las Vegas were great and the (Southwest Animal Emergency Clinic) saved his life Monday night.”
The incident began Monday when police were dispatched to the city’s cemetery, where a man said he was being threatened. The man began yelling at officers before driving a car at them, according to police.
Hurricane police: Man fatally shot, K-9 stabbed after pursuit, crash
The man then fled the area in the car before he crashed into another vehicle, abandoned the car and entered a home.
Officers entered the home and reported shots were fired, saying the suspect, later identified as 46-year-old Jose Palacios Pascacio, was shot and killed, and Riko was critically injured after being stabbed.
Riko was rushed to the Southwest Animal Emergency Clinic in St. George before receiving further care in Las Vegas.
The 5-and-a-half-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix was upgraded to stable condition by Tuesday afternoon and returned home Thursday.
The shooting is being investigated by the Washington County Critical Incident Task Force.
