A Woodland police K-9 injured last week during a suspect chase continues to show signs of improvement, though a long road to recovery lies ahead.
Peydro, who suffered spinal and facial wounds after being struck by a vehicle during a suspect chase, has gained movement in both hind legs and was expected to start physical therapy Thursday morning, the Woodland Police Department posted on its Facebook page.
Although doctors initially worried that being near his handler, Officer Juan Barrera, could excite Peydro and disturb his spinal repair, the pair have “communicated” through FaceTime and could be reunited as soon as today at the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, where the K-9 is receiving his medical care.
“We’re hopeful that he’ll continue to progress,” Sgt. Brett Hancock said, noting that Peydro is expected to undergo multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
The 2-1/2 year old German shepherd was pursuing a man wanted on a parole violation early Saturday morning when the car struck him in the area of Walnut and North streets.
The suspect, 35-year-old Marcos Hernandez, later turned himself in to police. He was arraigned on a resisting arrest charge Thursday in Yolo Superior Court, where prosecutors announced they would seek restitution from him for the costs of Peydro’s medical care.
His newly appointed public defender, Richard Van Zandt, has objected to that condition, and the matter is set for trial in late June.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Raven said while Hernandez didn’t personally cause Peydro’s injuries, prosecutors are seeking restitution under the theory that he initiated the chain of events that led to the dog being hurt.
“There’s case and statutory law that allows for these types of requests,” Raven said. “How it plays out in the end, that’s going to be up to a judge, but this isn’t something that’s completely unusual.”
The total cost of Peydro’s medical care is still being tallied, but is expected to reach into the tens of thousands of dollars. Anyone wishing to contribute toward the resulting veterinary bills may do so via the Foothills K-9 Association, www.Foothillsk9.org/product-category/donation/.
— Reach Lauren Keene at lkeene@davisenterprise.net or 530-747-8048. Follow her on Twitter at @laurenkeene