A San Diego Sheriff's K-9 stabbed by an armed man, later involved in a standoff in the Rancho Santa Fe neighborhood, is expected to survive and soon return to work, according to his handler.
The stabbing happened Saturday morning when deputies from the Eninitas Station were called to 6012 Paseo Delicias at Via de Santa Fe shortly before 5:30 a.m. to investigate a disturbance in the area.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered a man, identified as Edward Ray Nett, 50, armed with knife, making loud noises near a staircase on the street. Deputies tried to approach the man and deployed pepper balls, to no avail.
Deputies on scene deployed a K9, later identified as Banjer. Sheriff's officials said the suspect struggled with the dog and stabbed the K9 under his left eye.
Banjer's handler says despite being hurt in the field, the K9 still tried to help.
"He was initially stunned and then he was back in action. It was like it didn't phase him," said Deputy Austyn Elmone, Banjer's handler.
SDSO Lt. Kenneth Nelson said after the stabbing, Banjer was taken to an animal hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
Rancho Santa Fe shooting investigation. Closures: El Tordo (La Granada to Ave. & De Acacia) Paseo Delicias (La Granada to Avenida De Acacia) pic.twitter.com/LwP1PWeEWQ
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) December 3, 2016
Banjer, 7, is expected to make a full recovery after the violent stabbing.
"We'll go through a small block of training most likely just to make sure his confidence is still there and make sure his nose still works and doing what it needs to be doing, but I'm fully confident in his ability now," said Elmone.
@SDSheriff K-9 Banjer received stitches for his wound. He will be on light duty and training as he recovers. To all our deputies, stay safe. pic.twitter.com/Qcmz5HLH5C
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) December 3, 2016
The stab wound punctured a little of the sinus cavity, so officials want to to make sure it did not affect his sense of smell. Banjer is trained in tracking and narcotics patrol, so his sense of smell is a crucial part of his job, Elmone said.
After the stabbing, the suspect forced his way into a nearby apartment and allegedly threatened a man living inside the home with a knife, taking him hostage and prompting a short standoff.
A disturbance turned into short standoff/ hostage situation, man in 50s threatens woman w knife inside apartments on Paseo Delicias #NBC7 pic.twitter.com/FBdbC6OYsc
— Astrid Solorzano (@solorzanoastrid) December 3, 2016
Deputies tried to negotiate Nett's surrender. A short time later, the suspect walked out of the apartment and confronted the deputies with his knife.
Nelson said one of the deputies, identified as Sheriff's Sergeant Scott Blig, fired four rounds at Nett, wounding him and ending the standoff. Nett was taken to a local hospital just after 6 a.m. Nelson said he did not have an update on the suspect's condition.
No deputies, other than the K9, were hurt.
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The scar on Banjer's face will remain a reminder of how dangerous the job is for both the deputy and the K9, Elmone said.
Deputy Elmone and Banjer have been partners for one and a half years.
