By james art 
DAVENPORT, Fla. (WFLA) — A Polk County Sheriff’s Office K-9 was injured Thursday afternoon while chasing a fleeing suspect armed with a knife.
Deputies said they received reports of an “active battery” around 6:30 p.m. in Davenport.
Ybor City braces for big Halloween crowds 1 year after deadly mass shooting
Kelsey Boyce, 23, reportedly got into a fight with another man and threatened him with a knife. Upon arrival, responding deputies observed Boyce running into a wooded area.
A helicopter crew scoured the area while Davenport Police, Haines City Police and K-9 Reno and his partner went to assist deputies who were on the scene.
After spotting Boyce in the woods, authorities said he was given several chances to surrender, but refused.
K-9 Reno was eventually sent after Boyce. While apprehending him, authorities said Reno was superficially stabbed four times in the head, twice in the ear and once in the nose and under the eye.
“But you know our dogs never give up,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a social media post highlighting the efforts of K-9 Reno.
K-9 Rhino and his partner were eventually able to apprehend Boyce. Authorities said Boyce is charged with aggravated assault and battery, resisting arrest and battery on a police K-9.
Shortly after Boyce’s arrest, K-9 Reno was taken to a veterinary hospital, where officials said he was released by doctors and “is doing well.”
“He’s still as sweet as ever,” the sheriff’s office said. “We are grateful for his courage and hard work.”
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, head to WFLA.