An El Cajon police K-9 was recovering from surgery Thursday after he was stabbed during a confrontation with tire-slashing suspect who charged at officers, police said.
K-9 Jester underwent emergency surgery Wednesday night for a stabbing injury to his head but was released and recovering at home on Thursday, the El Cajon Police Department said.
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WATCH HEREECPD said Rani Alrais, 25, was suspected of slashing about two dozen tires on cars near Roanoke Avenue and East Park Avenue. He was carrying a 6-inch steak knife when he was approached by officers at around 7 p.m. Wednesday, ECPD said.
Officers began to follow the suspect, who then charged at an officer and ran toward a school campus, ECPD said. Officers fired less-lethal projectiles that hit the man but did not stop him.
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SIGN UP Jester was deployed to apprehend the suspect but was stabbed in the head during the struggle.
Alrais was transported to a local trauma center to be treated for bite injuries. He was then booked into the San Diego County Jail on suspicion of assault on an officer, assault on a police K-9, vandalism and carrying a concealed knife.
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According to Lt. Randy Soulard, a bail enhancement was approved on Alrais due to the "number and severity" of the charges.
