SAN DIEGO — Three armed suspects who robbed a Lakeside convenience store and shot a sheriff’s K9 were apprehended in Riverside County, a San Diego County Sheriff’s Department spokesman said Monday.
At 11:52 p.m. Sunday, a sheriff’s deputy saw a suspect running out of a 7-Eleven at 10205 Lake Jennings Park Road in Lakeside. A witness told the deputy that the suspect “just robbed the store,” said SDSD Lt. Mike Arens.
The deputy attempted to make a high risk stop, but the suspect fled, Arens said. As a result, the deputy pursued the suspect onto westbound Interstate 8, and called the California Highway Patrol to assist, CBS 8 reported.
Three suspects were in the BMW being pursued by the agencies, which transitioned onto northbound Interstate 15.
According to 10News, someone in the BMW “opened fire several times at officers during the chase.” As the suspect vehicle headed into Riverside County, it apparently became disabled and the three suspects tried to carjack another vehicle.
SDSD deputies arrived and deployed K9 Cezar. However, in their haste to get away, one of the suspects fired, hitting the service dog, Arens said.
Nevertheless, all of the suspects were subsequently taken into custody. The carjacking victim was not injured and deputies did not engage the suspects in gunfire. No further details were immediately available.
Meanwhile, K9 Cezar was taken to a nearby veterinarian. Following medical care, he “is expected to make a full recovery,” CBS 8 reported.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the CHP were investigating the incident.
On Monday, SDSD shared an update on K9 Cezar saying a vet surgeon was able to remove bullet fragments from the dog’s leg and he was released before noon.
1/5 K-9 Cezar being wheeled into surgery after valiantly protecting his handler @SDSheriff Deputy Avedisian and the public following a robbery and chase from Lakeside to Murrieta. At some point, the suspects started shooting and Cezar was hit in the leg. pic.twitter.com/tSP9SFrZdM
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) September 6, 2021
Tuesday update: K9 Cezar “remains in pawsitive spirits thanks to your overwhelming messages of support. Cezar is already back to his favorite activity of chasing lizards. Let’s raise the woof for his continued recovery.”
Just like any doggo, he doesn’t like his meds. Solution? Yummy peanut butter.🤫 Cezar will be off duty for the next two weeks to receive tons of TLC. He’ll then return to training with his handler @SDSheriff Deputy Avedesian to warm up his leg for runs and jumps over obstacles. pic.twitter.com/eZD1puimzY
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) September 7, 2021
3/5 We want to thank VCA California Veterinary Specialists in Murrieta for taking such good care of K-9 Cezar. A vet surgeon removed bullet fragments from Cezar's leg. He was released just before 11:00 a.m. Sunday, 9/6. We will provide updates on Cezar and his handler tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/WEGWs2NoWD
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) September 6, 2021
