Officer Bit By K9 Before 'Unintentionally' Shooting Burglary Suspect In Fremont: Police

FREMONT, CA — An officer who shot a burglary suspect in Fremont on Saturday night did so "unintentionally" after a police canine bit him, authorities said.

Authorities say Sergeant James Taylor, a 17-year veteran with the Fremont Police Department, was trying to arrest 25-year-old Freddy Magana Gonzales when the police canine bit him.

That's when Taylor accidentally shot Gonzales, according to the Fremont Police Department.

Taylor was treated for the bite injury at a local trauma center, although the extent of their injuries was not available. Gonzales, meanwhile, was hospitalized and is expected to be released in the next few days, police said.

Gonzales is expected to be arrested on suspicion of multiple outstanding residential burglary warrants, police said. The three other suspects, meanwhile, were also taken into custody in connection with the burglaries.

It's unclear why the canine bit the officer. The agency added that they are taking a "comprehensive" look into the incident.

Police did not say whether the officer's body camera was on at the time of the shooting. Records and evidence related to the shooting are expected to be released at a later date in accordance with state law, according to the agency.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 510-790-6900, or anonymously text “Tip FremontPD” followed by a message to 888-777 or submit a tip online at https://www.fremontpolice.gov/Tip.