Police Dog Recovering After Being Shot in Delaware

by KYW's Jim Melwert

A police dog is recovering after hours of surgery at the Matthew Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania.  The animal was shot while helping track down a suspect early Wednesday morning.

Newcastle County Police were called to a Wilmington area apartment complex by a woman who said her boyfriend was threatening to kill her.

Police tracked the man into some nearby woods, sending in a K9 named Diablo.

Diablo locked on to the 34-year-old suspect, identified as Eric Weit of Wilmington.

Police allege Weit shot the dog twice. Then he was shot multiple times when he opened fire on police officers.

The suspect underwent surgery at Christiana Hospital, he's in stable condition.

The dog was rushed to Penn's veterinary hospital, where he underwent hours of surgery.

Dr. David Holt hopes Diablo can make a full recovery:

"I think if either wound had penetrated either the chest or the abdomen, then it would be far more serious."

If Diablo is unable to return to service, his partner on the force says he'll adopt the dog.

(photo: CBS3 from police video)