ROOKIE POLICE K9 IS STABBED, SERIOUSLY INJURED IN BRUTAL TRAGEDY

UPDATE

A rookie police dog was stabbed and seriously injured during a violent standoff in Colorado Springs.

"K9 Roam and his handler were dispatched to assist in an incident involving a barricaded suspect," police said. "K9 Roam and his officer made contact with the suspect, and in the line of duty, K9 Roam was stabbed multiple times." Colorado Spring's first "Certified Gun Detection Dog" - who recently joined the city's police force - underwent emergency surgery following Wednesday's brutal attack. Vets reported K9 Roam was critical condition. "His courage, loyalty, and dedication to protecting our community embody the very best of what it means to serve," police said. No officers were injured. "The suspect was later struck with a chemical irritant and tased before he was able to be taken into custody," police said. "Due to the severity of the attack on K9 Roam, the CSPD Homicide Unit is leading the investigation into the attempted killing of a police service animal." [Photo: Colorado Springs Police Department]