A Pasadena police dog, Rex, is recuperating at home after sustaining injuries during a confrontation with a burglary suspect on Christmas Day. The suspect, identified as Jose Soto, was apprehended and faces charges of burglary and injuring a peace officer’s animal.
The incident unfolded around noon on Monday when officers responded to a call reporting a man attempting to break into the 99 Cents Only store at 1720 E. Colorado Blvd., according to Lt. Edgar Sanchez. Upon arrival, officers discovered a shattered rear glass door and heard the suspect’s attempts to open a metal roll-up door from the inside.
Despite multiple announcements urging the suspect to surrender, he refused to comply. Around 1:30 p.m., the Pasadena K-9 Unit, including the 2-year-old Dutch shepherd Rex, was deployed. The K-9 unit located the suspect in a large storage room.
When the suspect persisted in resisting arrest, Rex was unleashed. The suspect, later identified as Jose Soto, responded by throwing objects at the police dog, resulting in a 2-inch-long laceration to Rex’s snout. Despite the injury, Rex played a crucial role, and Soto surrendered to the police shortly afterward.
Jose Soto, a 45-year-old Pasadena resident, is currently in jail awaiting charges. Notably, he did not sustain any injuries during the confrontation. Rex, the injured police dog, was promptly taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment and received stitches. Rex is now recovering at home with his handler. The incident highlights the risks and sacrifices made by police animals in the line of duty.
