Hero Police Dog Gets Purple Heart For Taking A Bite Out Of Crime

SANTA ANA, CA — It is the footage seen around the world, with over 20-million views of the heroic efforts. K-9 officer Puskas ran down a violent parolee, making the arrest and saving the day. He also lost nearly all of his teeth in the process, according to Santa Ana information officer Cpl. Anthony Bertagna. On Tuesday night following surgery and repairs to his mouth and face, Puskas returned home with his handler for some much needed R&R.

The 8-year-old dutch shepherd tackled the wanted felon at speeds estimated around 20-25-miles-per-hour, according to handler Luis Galeana.

"When he launched at the suspect, that momentum launched them both back," Galeana told those present outside the animal hospital. That impact is what led to the injuries.

Puskas, named after Hungarian soccer legend Ferenc Puskas, was let loose on the suspect Monday, who had a 40-yard head start.

"His handler figured the dog would catch up to the man, who was headed toward an open business," Bertagna said.

During the take-down, Puskas lost a half-dozen teeth: all of his upper and lower teeth, with the exception of his canine teeth. The suspect was treated at a hospital prior to being booked Monday at the Orange County Jail on suspicion of numerous felonies for allegedly leading police on the high-speed chase from Santa Ana to Irvine, where he abandoned his pickup truck and carjacked a woman's SUV before being taken into custody.

In the struggle with the suspect, Puskas' face was slammed into the pavement, and some of the dog's teeth were jammed into his gums and some were halfway broken off, Bertagna said. The dog also had a large cut to his lower lip area.

It's not yet clear if the dog will need implants, Bertagna said, but the injuries won't end his K9 career.

"He'll be out for a couple of weeks, but then he'll be back on the job," Bertagna said. He now wears a purple heart badge for being a hero.

Puskas was treated by veterinarians at VCA Yorba Regional Animal Hospital.

Police came by the station on Wednesday to pay their respects, including the Garden Grove Police.

Others came by with soft food and to deliver get-well cards, but none was more cherished than fellow K9 officer Rosie who showed support.

#SAPDRosie showing some love and well wishes for a speedy recovery to her fellow #SantaAnaPD #K9 Puskas #getwellsoon #sisterlove pic.twitter.com/hmlLylfTzV
— SantaAnaPD (@SantaAnaPD) February 28, 2018

Photos, courtesy Santa Ana Police Department