Santa Ana K-9 Injured in Pursuit Arrest Has Setback, Needs Another Surgery
The high-speed chase involved several crashes and a violent carjacking before a police K-9 took down the suspect
By City News Service ••
A Santa Ana police dog who lost most of his teeth in a takedown of a chase suspect had a setback in his recovery and needed an additional "minor surgery" that will delay his return to work for a week or two, a police spokesman said Wednesday.
The dog, Puskas, underwent the additional surgery on Monday to remove some bone fragments from his mouth that were bothering him, Santa Ana Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said.
Puskas required new sutures, so that will put off his return to work for at least a week, Bertagna said.
Puskas the K-9 lost six teeth while stopping a suspect wanted for assaulting a police officer and leading a pursuit. On Wednesday, the hero pup was rewarded for his bravery. Vikki Vargas reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018.
Padilla, who sustained a serious injury to his arm inflicted by the dog, remained hospitalized Wednesday, Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Chrisopoulos said.
While apprehending a pursuit suspect on Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, Santa Ana Police K-9 Puskas lost all of his upper and lower teeth with the exception of his canine teeth.
Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana Police Department Handler Officer Luis Galeana and police K-9 Puskas pose for a photo post-surgery at VCA Yorba Regional Animal Hospital on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018.
Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana Police Department Handler Officer Luis Galeana greets police K-9 Puskas post-surgery at VCA Yorba Regional Animal Hospital on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018.
Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana Police Department Handler Officer Luis Galeana and Santa Ana Police K-9 Puskas pose for a picture with the staff at VCA Yorba Regional Animal Hospital on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018.
Santa Ana Police Department
For his "selflessness and bravery through it all" VCA Yorba Regional Animal Hospital awarded Santa Ana Police K-9 Puskas a "purple heart."
Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana Police K-9 Rosie shows some love and well wishes to her fellow police K-9 Puskas. "#getwellsoon #sisterlove," the Santa Ana Police Department tweeted.
Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana Police Chief David Valentin drops by to check on K-9 Puskas on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018. "Making sure Dr. orders are being followed," the Santa Ana Police Department tweeted.
Santa Ana Police Department
Puskas lost his six front teeth during the pursuit take down on Monday, Feb, 26, 2018. He's on the equivalent of desk duty but should be back on patrol in a few weeks.
Santa Ana Police Department
Motor officers from the Garden Grove Police Department pose for a photo with Puskas and Santa Ana Police Department Handler Officer Luis Galeana on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018.
Santa Ana Police Department
Garden Grover Officer Katherine Anderson, who was nearly run over by the pursuit suspect, pets Puskas, the police dog who apprehended the suspect, on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018.
Santa Ana Police Department
Garden Grover Officer Katherine Anderson plants a kiss on Puskas, the police dog who apprehended the suspect, on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018.
Santa Ana Police Department
Garden Grove Officer Katherine Anderson, Santa Ana Police Department Handler Officer Luis Galeana and Puskas share a moment on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018.
Santa Ana Police Department
Puskas greets the media during a "visiting hour" on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018.
Santa Ana Police Department
Puskas greets the media during a "visiting hour" on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018.
Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana Police K-9 Puskas needs to eat soft foods for a while. "Thank you @naturesselect for coming through. Puskas is happy," the department tweeted a day after the dog's surgery.
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Padilla is charged with aggravated assault on a peace officer, carjacking, assault with a deadly weapon, injuring a police dog, driving recklessly during a police pursuit, leading police on a chase and driving the wrong way in traffic, along with three misdemeanor counts of hit-and-run with property damage.
Padilla is a "third-striker" with prior convictions for robbery in 1998, making criminal threats in 2006, unlawful possession of a gun in 2007, burglary in 2011 and inflicting corporal injury last year, according to the criminal complaint.
Padilla faces up to 120 years to life in prison if convicted at trial.
