A Woodland Police Department K-9 underwent emergency surgery Saturday morning for injuries he suffered after being struck by a car during an early-morning foot pursuit, police officials said.
Peydro, a 2 1/2-year-old German shepherd, suffered a broken spine and spinal cord injuries, numerous facial fractures and bleeding lungs in the collision, which occurred shortly after midnight in the area of Walnut and North streets in Woodland.
“Police Service Dog Peydro continues to show his strong spirit while undergoing treatment at the UC Davis Veterinary Hospital,” Woodland police said in a statement released shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday. “After a thorough treatment plan was created by the staff at UC Davis, Peydro went into surgery this afternoon to relieve pressure on his spinal cord. We do not expect this surgery to be completed until very late tonight.”
A further briefing on the dog’s status was scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday.
Officials said Peydro and his handler, Officer Juan Barrera, were on routine patrol of their neighborhood beat when they encountered a man who was wanted on a parole violation. Peydro gave chase when the man ran from Barrera, and the dog was running in the roadway when he was struck by a southbound vehicle.
The K-9 was transported by ambulance to the UC Davis Veterinary Hospital, where he remained in critical condition Saturday morning following his surgery, Sgt. David Krause said.
Police said local residents have inquired about donating funds for Peydro’s medical bills. Contributions may be made via the Foothills K-9 Association, www.Foothillsk9.org/product-category/donation.
The driver who struck Peydro remained on the scene and is not expected to be charged with any violations, Krause said. The man who initially fled from police, 35-year-old Marcos Hernandez, remained at large despite an extensive search of the area but later turned himself in to police. He was booked into the Yolo County Jail on suspicion of resisting arrest.
One of two Woodland police K-9s, Peydro joined the agency in May 2015. He competed several months later in the Western States Police Canine Association’s 2015 South Lake Tahoe Police K-9 Trials, taking third place in the novice category. He and fellow K-9 Chase also earned the Chief’s Trophy for Best K-9 Team.