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HURRICANE, Washington County — A police K-9 stabbed in the neck on Monday is back in Utah and his handler is hopeful that he'll make a full recovery.
Riko, a K-9 with the Hurricane Police Department, was critically injured while confronting a man who had walked into a home, at random. Jose Palacios Pascacio, 46, of Hurricane, who allegedly stabbed Riko in the neck, was shot and killed by police during the confrontation.
Following the fatal confrontation with officers, Riko — a 5½-year-old Belgian malinois/German shepherd mix — was rushed to a veterinary clinic in St. George, where the decision was made to transport him to Las Vegas.
On Friday, the department announced that Riko and his handler, officer Eric DeMille, were back in Utah.
"The support is unreal! Riko is home and doing great. Because of Riko's crazy determination and strength, the doctors are hopeful for a full recovery. Words can't explain how grateful I am for all of the amazing care Riko received. The VE+CC in Las Vegas were great and the (Southwest Animal Emergency Clinic in St. George) saved his life Monday night," DeMille said in a prepared statement.
The investigation into the police shooting is being handled by the Washington County Critical Incident Task Force.
