Man charged for stabbing K-9 in DeKalb County

ATLANTA (CBS46) – A man arrested by U.S. Marshals Friday will be charged with assault on a police officer after stabbing a police K-9 named Tryko.

Jeffery Nathan Coleman, 37, was a wanted man across several Georgia counties.

Officials with the U.S. Marshals tracked him down to a home on the 5100 block of Hidden Branches Drive in Dunwoody.

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Doraville police officers were assisting with their K-9 unit when they made contact with Coleman.

The suspect then took a knife to Tryko’s face.

Tryko, an 8-year-veteran of the force, was rushed to surgery where he got nearly 30 stitches on his mouth.

“I know what I would do if my dog got stabbed I’d be stabbing the person who did that,” said Mary Duggan.

An update on Tryko’s condition was released Saturday morning:

“K-9 officer Tryko had a rough and restless night. He is doing better today though, and started taking food and water this morning. He has some healing to do and pain to be managed, but is expected to recover fully and return to work soon. Tryko asks that you put your paws together in prayer for his speedy recovery.

“Lt. Deyette (Tryko’s handler) would like to express his personal thanks, as well as Doraville Police Department, for the outpouring of concern and support for Tryko. It has been overwhelming and it is nice to be reminded that there are many out there who support us.”

Coleman faces charges for assault, possession of stolen property and violating his probation.

*Photo via CBS46