UPDATE: Suspect assaults Cass County Sheriff’s Office K9

CASS LAKE, M.N. (Valley News Live) - A police dog is recovering from serious injuries and one man is facing several charges after authorities say he attacked the K9 officer.

Cass County officials say that just before 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 17, they received a call of an assault at a home in Wilkinson Township in rural Cass Lake, Minnesota.

When deputies arrived, they learned that two individuals had been assaulted by a man with an axe. The two victims were injured, but did not need medical attention.

Deputies quickly identified the suspect as 27-year-old Kyote Windom from Cass Lake, MN.

While attempting to take the suspect into custody, K9 Ryker was deployed. Authorities say Windom then swung a large metal pipe hitting the dog twice in the head. This caused significant injury and Ryker was taken to an emergency veterinarian hospital where he received treatment for several serious injuries, including a shattered orbital socket, snout fracture, fractured teeth, and lacerated tongue and cheek.

K9 Ryker was released from the animal hospital several days later and will continue treatment, however he’s expected to make a full recovery.

Windom has now been charged with Kill or Cause Great or Substantial Bodily Harm to a Public Safety Dog, Assault-2nd Degree-Dangerous Weapon, Assault-5th Deg Inflict or Attempt Bodily Harm, Fleeing a Peace Officer By a Means Other Than a Motor Vehicle, and Obstructing Legal Process-Interfere w/Peace Officer.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says that Ryker has been with the department for four years.