Hero Police Dog Puskas Back In Surgery: Cops

SANTA ANA, CA — Santa Ana police dog, officer Puskas, was back in surgery this week due to complications, Santa Ana police said. Puskas, who lost most of his teeth in a takedown of a chase suspect in late February, has become a hero to many who are sending him well wishes across social media.

Puskas suffered a setback in his recovery and needed an additional "minor surgery" that will delay his return to work for a week or two, Santa Ana Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said."Puskas, underwent the additional surgery on Monday to remove some bone fragments from his mouth that were bothering him."

Puskas required new sutures, so that will put off his return to work for at least a week, according to Bertagna.

The 8-year-old canine lost his upper and lower teeth with the exception of his canine teeth in a leaping takedown following a car chase and car jacking by suspect Antonio Padilla Jr., 37, on Feb. 26.

Padilla, a Riverside resident, sustained a serious injury to his arm inflicted by the dog, remained hospitalized Wednesday, Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Chrisopoulos said.

Padilla is charged with aggravated assault on a peace officer, carjacking, assault with a deadly weapon, injuring a police dog, driving recklessly during a police pursuit, leading police on a chase and driving the wrong way in traffic, along with three misdemeanor counts of hit-and-run with property damage.

Padilla is a "third-striker" with prior convictions for robbery in 1998, making criminal threats in 2006, unlawful possession of a gun in 2007, burglary in 2011 and inflicting corporal injury last year, according to the criminal complaint.

Padilla faces up to 120 years to life in prison if convicted at trial.

Read: Watch Police Dog's Flying Take-Down Of Carjacking Suspect

Santa Ana Police Department photo