POLK COUNTY, FL – A Polk County Sheriff’s Office K9 is recovering after being stabbed multiple times while arresting a suspect Thursday night.
Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance in Davenport around 6:30 p.m., where a suspect, 23-year-old Kelsey Boyce, allegedly punched a victim and threatened him with a knife. Boyce then fled into a wooded area, still armed with the knife.
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Multiple units, including a helicopter, Davenport Police, Haines City Police and K9 Reno with his handler, Deputy Giles, assisted in the search. After finding Boyce, deputies gave him several opportunities to turn himself in, but he refused.
K9 Reno and Deputy Giles were then dispatched to apprehend Boyce. During the arrest, Boyce stabbed Reno several times in the head. Despite his injuries, Reno persevered and along with Deputy Giles successfully arrested Boyce.
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Reno was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment of four puncture wounds to the head. Fortunately, the injuries were superficial and Rhino was checked out by vets and is doing well.
Boyce faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault, battery, resisting arrest and battery on a police K9.
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