Green Bay Police Dog Stabbed While Apprehending Suspect

GREEN BAY, WI — Police in Green Bay say their K9 Officer Pyro is slowly recovering after the officer was stabbed in the neck three times while taking down a violent suspect over the weekend.

Pyro is a 2-1/2-year-old Belgian Malinois, and is a member of the Green Bay Police Department. According to police reports, officers responded to a report of a man with a gun threatening to shoot his father just after 8 p.m. Sunday. Reports stated Pyro was released by his handler to try to take down the suspect, who was later identified as Sai Vang.

Police said as Pyro approached Vang, Vang pulled out a knife and stabbed Pyro three times. Moments later, officers were able to deploy a taser on Vang and take him into custody.

Police said Pyro received wound care on-scene by police officers and his handler at the scene, and was transported for emergency care to the Green Bay center Sunday night.

Pyro was then transported to another hospital in Appleton where he was treated by two veterinary critical care specialists and their report team.

According to additional reports, doctors determined that Pyro needed emergency surgery to repair his life-threatening injuries.

Officials said surgery was conducted to repair multiple soft-tissue injuries to the dog's neck and esophagus. He received blood and plasma transfusions and a temporary tracheostomy during the surgery.

Less than 24 hours after surgery, animal officials said Pyro suffered complications in his stomach that required additional surgery. Following surgery on Monday, medical officials said Pyro was in critical, but stable condition.

"We are extremely happy to report this morning that K9 Pyro is continuing to make strides in his recovery, literally. Pyro is standing, sitting, and walking under his own power. Officer Salzmann and his family, along with fellow his GBPD K9 Officers have been taking Pyro out for short duration walks to help him build up his strength," Green Bay police department officials said in a statement on Tuesday.

"His improvement over the past 24 hours was a big first step for him and we have been told his personality is starting to come back. While Pyro still has a ways to go, he appears to be responding well to his treatment thus far which is a testament to his toughness and will and to the skill and dedication of his veterinary team at the Animal Referral Center and the many thoughts and prayers he has received from the community."

According to jail records, prosecutors are recommending charges of harassing police animals-causing injury, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, resisting an officer and a probation violation. He's currently being held on a $300 bond. He is awaiting formal charges by the Brown County District Attorney's office.