Lubbock police dog recovering
April 10, 2020
A Lubbock police dog that was wounded as officers responded to a domestic disturbance on Monday has been released from the vet and is in improving condition, police announced Thursday.
Fflorian, a 6-year-old police K9, was back at home recovering with his handler following Monday morning’s domestic disturbance in which a 15-year-old girl is accused of using a stolen handgun to threaten her boyfriend’s family and later responding officers.
The teenager, who was also treated for wounds at a Lubbock hospital, was placed in custody while Fflorian was treated for injuries stemming from the incident that was reported about 11:15 a.m. in the 5500 block of Amherst Place, Lubbock police spokeswoman Allison Matherly said at the time.
A police report released later in the week shows investigating officers believe the incident started when the girl’s boyfriend told his mother the girl threatened to “shoot up” their house.
Upon arrival, officers found the subject had left the residence and began checking the area.
Fflorian and his handler, a Lubbock police officer, searched the perimeter of a house in the 5600 block of Amherst Street, near where the 15-year-old was hiding in the bushes. Police say she opened fire on the police K-9, striking it at least one time. The K-9 handler returned fire.
The 15-year-old was taken to University Medical Center for treatment of her injuries from the K-9 bite and a possible gunshot wound. It is undetermined at this time if the gunshot wound was from the officer returning fire or self-inflicted. Upon release from UMC, the 15-year-old was taken to the Lubbock County Juvenile Detention Center and charged with:
· Four counts of Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer
· Aggravated Assault
· Interference with Police Service Animal (Second-Degree Felony)
· Theft of a Firearm
· Terroristic Threat (Misdemeanor A)
Fflorian was taken to a Lubbock veterinarian hospital for treatment.
No other injuries were reported.
On Thursday, Lubbock police released a statement saying Fflorian is expected to make a full recover. The dog, a Belgian Malinois, came to the LPD in 2017, according to police. He is trained in narcotics detection and criminal apprehension.
It was not immediately clear what led to the initial disturbance or how the teen allegedly acquired the gun.
The Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
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