Tye, an OPD K9, is at home recovering after a suspect hit the dog with a metal pipe during an arrest Friday evening.
Police booked Edgar Garcia-Herrera for assault on an officer, attempted assault on an officer (four counts), destruction of property, obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest.
Friday evening, police say Edgar Garcia-Herrera was walking in traffic on Interstate 80 Eastbound at approximately 42nd Street in traffic lanes. In a news release Saturday, police say Garcia-Herrera was carrying a large metal pipe and a broken glass bottle.
"Officers gave verbal commands to drop the weapons and exit the interstate but the suspect instead raised the metal pipe in an aggressive manner and made gestures for the officers to shoot him. Officers called for a taser and a K9 unit to respond to assist. While awaiting the assisting officers, the suspect ran from the interstate and began throwing large rocks at the officers, striking one officer," the release said.
Officers tried to tase the suspect to gain control of the situation but the taser was ineffective. Tye was deployed, and as the dog approached the suspect, the Garcia-Herrera struck Tye with the metal pipe. Officers were able to deploy a second taser and take control of the suspect at that time.
Saturday afternoon, OPD posted an update on their facebook.
"Tye is taking a few days off to recover," the post said in part. "He will continue follow up appointments to make sure he's in the best of health before returning to work."
