K9 Contact with Hospitalization NRF039-26ne

**The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

On October 15, 2026, at around 4:30 a.m., uniformed officers assigned to the Metropolitan Division’s K-9 Platoon responded to a perimeter established for a suspect, later identified as Andres Rodriguez, who had fled from a vehicle following a pursuit with Southwest Patrol Division officers. K-9 officers conducted a systematic search of the area and located Rodriguez hiding beneath patio furniture in a backyard. Rodriguez grabbed a police canine, resulting in a canine bite to his left hand and wrist.

Rodriguez was taken into custody without further force and transported by the Los Angeles Fire Department to a local hospital, where he was treated and medically cleared for booking. He was subsequently transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center and booked. Later that day, the medical staff determined that Rodriguez required a higher level of care for the canine bite and arranged for his transfer to a local hospital.

At the hospital, a physician diagnosed Rodriguez with an infected canine bite and determined that surgery was necessary to irrigate and clean the wound. Rodriguez was then admitted for further treatment.

No officers or other community members were injured as a result of this occurrence.

Force Investigation Division (FID) personnel responded and are investigating this incident.