K9 Stabbed Repeatedly While Trying To Apprehend Suspect Accused Of Stabbing 2 People

Nevada's Las Vegas During a heroic attempt to apprehend a dangerous offender on Monday night, a brave K9 officer of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) was stabbed many times.

According to a press release issued the next day, the LVMPD responded to a distressing report of a stabbing at around 8:32 p.m. on July 24 in the 3900 block of Cambridge Street.

Officers arrived on the scene and found the victim suffering from numerous lacerations.

The injured person was quickly taken to a local hospital for treatment of what the authorities considered to be "minor injuries."

Ezekiel Barnes, a 30-year-old man, has been named as the suspect in the brutal crime.

Witnesses described seeing Barnes stab two victims—a man and a woman—brutally. According to KLAS, however, law enforcement was unable to find the female victim.

Investigators subsequently located Barnes driving a car in the 3900 block of Maryland Parkway, and they quickly set up a perimeter to help in his capture.

As authorities made every effort to keep the situation under control, Barnes allegedly tried to light up the car, heightening the tense scenario.

In response, the LVMPD sent out K9 officer Diko in an effort to restrain Barnes in a secure manner. However, in the struggle, the armed suspect resorted to repeatedly stabbing the brave K9.

The police used "additional low-lethal options" in a quick and well-planned effort to capture the attacker.

K9 Diko received immediate medical care and was transported to a nearby veterinary clinic, where, as of Tuesday, he was still recovering from his injuries.

The most recent information regarding K9 Diko's position and prognosis is still pending.

Barnes was transferred to the UMC Trauma Center for treatment after the incident before being arrested and being put in the Clark County Detention Center on a number of criminal counts.

The charges include attempting to set a police animal on fire, harming a police animal, and resisting a public officer with a deadly weapon.

According to KLAS, the court set Barnes' bail at $40,000.

Notably, K9 Diko was one of the courageous officers who helped catch Tyson Hampton, a 24-year-old suspect who is accused of killing 49-year-old LVMPD Officer Truong Thai while carrying out his official responsibilities in October 2022, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.