Police Dog Injured Apprehending Burglary Suspect During Christmas Day Standoff

A Pasadena police dog was struck by a metal object and injured by a cornered burglary suspect Christmas afternoon as officers moved in to apprehend the man.

Pasadena police Lieutenant Edgar Sanchez said the suspected burglar had reportedly smashed two glass doors and broken into the 99 Cent Only store in the 1700 block of East Colorado Boulevard.

Arriving officers reportedly heard the suspect attempting to roll up metal roller doors at about 12:00 noon.

The suspect refused to leave the premises.

Traffic on Colorado Blvd. was shut in both directions between Bonnie and Meredith Avenues during the standoff.

 At 1:30 officers moved in backed by a canine unit.

The suspect was located in a large storage room and refused to exit. Sanchez said.

When the police dog was deployed, the suspect reportedly struck the dog with a metal object, injuring the dog’s snout.

The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Pasadena resident Jose Soto, surrendered shortly thereafter. Soto was not injured.

Sanchez reported the police dog was rushed to a veterinary doctor and received stitches. The dog is expected to make a full recovery.

Soto was booked at the Pasadena Jail for burglary and injury to a peace officer animal, Sanchez said.