Police dog kicked in head by suspect is unharmed

Otto, a Michigan State Police K-9, is doing fine after receiving several kicks to the head as he helped troopers apprehend an alleged reckless driver earlier this week.

MSP Spokesman Lt. Mike Shaw provided a quick update on Otto Friday after numerous inquiries about the dog.

“He is doing fine and continuing to serve the citizens of the state of Michigan,” Shaw wrote in a follow-up, which included a photo of Otto.

Otto, a three-year veteran of the force, works in the special enforcement section of the hometown security team, Shaw said. He’s been mentioned in previous news stories as he’s helped police seize large amounts of prescription pills and marijuana. He works in conjunction with another K-9 named Bozy who detects firearms and shell casings.

“Both of our dogs are doing really well,” Shaw said.

Around 10 p.m. Wednesday, Otto was called in to assist troopers after an alleged reckless driver failed to respond to a traffic stop on Interstate 94, police said. The driver led troopers on a chase for about five minutes before he struck a street sign.

According to police, the suspect ran off. Otto and his partner arrived at the scene and the canine quickly found the suspect hiding under a van.

“As Otto stuck his head under the van, the suspect kicked Otto in the head several times,” police said in a statement. “Otto bit the suspect in the left shin and gained control of the suspect.”

The suspect was lodged in the Detroit Detention Center. As of Friday no charges had been filed against him, Shaw said.

“There’s a law against injuring a police dog, but that’s all up to the prosecutor,” he said.

cwilliams@detroitnews.com

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