AVONDALE, Ariz. — An Avondale police K-9 that was reported missing Sunday night and found the next day bit someone during the time he was gone, according to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control.
The victim, identified as Rogelio Jacquez in a report done by MCACC, said this all happened in his front yard Sunday night.
“The way it lunged at me and attacked me, I’m happy that I was able to overcome it,” Jacquez said about the incident.
Jacquez said he and his wife were working on a trailer. Their young daughter was nearby, and Jacquez noticed a big dog start to approach him.
“At the time, I didn’t know it was a cop dog,” he said.
Describing what led to the attack, Jacquez said he told his family to go inside as he started to back away. Within seconds he said the dog leaped toward him and started biting him hard multiple times on his arms and hands.
“I was basically wrestling him," Jacquez said. "Trying to save my life.”
This went on for about two minutes, he said. Jacquez said he used all his strength to fight the dog.
“I got to the point where I was losing strength. I thought that he was going to get me," Jacquez said.
Eventually, the dog let go and ran off, leaving the Avondale father bleeding and severely injured.
“You could see the bone on that one,” Jacquez said, pointing to one of his fingers that was still numb.
“This bite was very severe,” said Kim Powell, communications officer for MCACC.
The Avondale Police Department said the dog, a Belgian Malinois named Rico, went missing from his handler's home near 161st Lane and Lower Buckeye Parkway on Sunday night.
MCACC confirmed Rico was the dog involved in the attack.
Powell said Rico is up to date on his rabies vaccination, and this is the first time he bit someone.
Powell said Rico would be quarantined at the handler's home for ten days. The case was turned over to Animal and Rabies Control for investigation.
Powell said she doesn’t know if the dog will return to duty or be euthanized. Jaquez hopes that does not happen.
“Me and my nature, I don’t wish bad upon the dog,” he said.
Still, Jaquez is concerned about taking care of his family. With no feeling in some of his fingers, he can't do his job.
“As a welder, I rely on this," Jacquez said while holding up his hands. "So, for me, it’s bad. Very very bad right now.”
Jacquez said he is speaking with attorneys about filing a potential lawsuit against the Avondale Police Department.
Rico is 7 years old and has served with the police department for five years, police said. He has been with the same handler for the entirety of his career.
Powell said the handler has over 20 years of experience and has never had an incident where a K-9 ran away.
Police said Rico would be assessed to determine whether he will continue to serve in the Avondale Police Department.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12 News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Silent Witness:
Arizona's Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities.
The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media.
Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous.
Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case.
Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000.