MIAMI (WSVN) — A wild police chase in Northwest Miami-Dade Friday ended with an injured Miami Police K-9 officer. It’s an example of the potential dangers that arise for K-9s on duty.
Buster, a 6-year-old Belgian Malnois was sent into a vehicle to stop a man who led City of Miami and Miami-Dade police on a chase, Friday. While in the vehicle, another Miami Police dog bit his leg. Thankfully, he only received a bruise from the bite. "He’s great," said Buster’s handler. "We were back to work Saturday."
According to his handler, K-9s work on command and are not naturally vicious. "He will not bite until I tell him to," he said. "Basically, they become part of your family. He lives with me, he’s with me 24 hours a day, seven days a week. My wife and kids can do whatever they want with him."
The incident is currently under investigation. However, Miami Police said Bolt, the 6-year-old German Shepherd who bit Buster, has undergone extensive training. Dogs who are selected for police work must pass a 480-hour course and then go through weekly training at a Miami Police facility. "The more experience they get, the better they will perform in any given situation," said Bolt’s handler, Miami Police Officer Javier Gonzalez.
The driver who fled police has since been arrested and charged with attempted murder. Lauderhill Police said the suspect stabbed his girlfriend on Thursday night. His girlfriend remains at the hospital recovering from her injuries.
Miami Police said having Buster and Bolt on the streets makes taking down criminals easier. "He’s my partner," said Gonzalez. "He’s the one I can count on. He’s here with me everyday. At any given moment, he’s there for me."